Faith groups in Southwark

Guide for faith premises

The guide for faith premises in Southwark contains an overview of what might be required by people who are considering setting up a place of worship or who are in charge of operating an existing place of worship.

It contains practical advice on issues that a faith group occupying a premises need to consider in order to comply with relevant laws. To ensure your faith group complies with the law you will need to obtain the relevant permissions and licences needed for the activities you intend to pursue and where appropriate discuss the matter with the appropriate council officer.

There is a wide range of faith groups within Southwark and the council is responsible for regulating a number of their activities and use of premises. Some faith groups maybe unaware of the broad range of regulation and law that potentially effects their operations.

By promoting better knowledge of the various legal requirements associated with faith groups the council seeks to increase compliance and assist faith groups in meeting their legal requirements.

Please note that it is advisory and is not a statement of council policy. It is an introductory document and is not intended to provide exhaustive advice.

What is a faith group?

A faith group is a group of people not belonging to the same family or household who congregate on a regular basis and at a particular place for the purpose of worshipping or the exercising of a particular faith or religious beliefs.

What are the duties of the faith groups and their leaders?

Every faith group and its leaders have a duty to ensure that they are not putting themselves their members and the public at risk. Additionally, the faith groups and leaders also have various other legal duties to ensure that they do not cause a nuisance to local communities, and that their activities do not adversely impact on the environment.

The following steps are suggested for faith groups to meet those legal duties that the council enforces.

• Occupy premises suitable for use by a faith group and comply with any planning permission for the premises and planning law.
• Comply with legislation relating to the local environment, fire safety, food safety, waste disposal, licensing, public liability insurance and child protection.
• Seek advice from relevant bodies such as departments of the council, fire authority and health and safety executive

Download the guide for faith premises in Southwark for further information and contact details.