Justin Welby has been granted permission to stay at Lambeth Palace with his family for up to six months.

Welby’s official resignation took effect on 6th January but he has been allowed to remain in the palace’s private quarters until early summer.

The Makin report, published in November, revealed that Welby’s failure to report abuse allegations against John Smyth, a serial abuser, may have delayed justice for his victims.

Welby initially resisted calls to step down but resigned after growing pressure, saying he was leaving with a "long-felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England". 

He acknowledged the need to take both "personal and institutional responsibility".

In documents released as the Church of England's legislative body meets this week, it was confirmed that Welby and his family will stay in the Archbishop’s private quarters while they transition to a new home.

This information was released following a question from Synod member Nicola Denyer, who asked about the financial terms of Welby’s departure and whether a Non-Disclosure Agreement was involved.

Alan Smith, the First Church Estates Commissioner, clarified that Welby’s departure did not involve a financial settlement or confidentiality agreement. 

He replied: "The Archbishop of Canterbury’s departure from office was not subject to a settlement agreement. He has received the financial payments to which he is lawfully entitled as a clergy office holder. His departure from office on 6 January 2025 is not the subject of any confidentiality agreement. With the Commissioners’ agreement, the Welby family is staying in the archbishop’s private quarters at Lambeth Palace for up to 6 months ahead of their relocation to their new home."

A public consultation has been launched to find Welby’s successor, with the process expected to last several months, with an announcement likely by the autumn.