That I think comes from various claims to the land which, while freehold, has certain obligations (just like you may have covenants for neighbours to be able to access their land over yours).
It was particularly bad until recently, as the obligations were often hidden. They no longer are - if there's an obligation it's right there on the land register, just like covenants, and show up in the standard searches during the conveyancing process. It's effectively a land tax to support a local amenity -- churches are part of the cultural background of British villages. I'd rather a formal land tax system to support all local amenities.
It was particularly bad until recently, as the obligations were often hidden. They no longer are - if there's an obligation it's right there on the land register, just like covenants, and show up in the standard searches during the conveyancing process. It's effectively a land tax to support a local amenity -- churches are part of the cultural background of British villages. I'd rather a formal land tax system to support all local amenities.
A larger concern to me are faith schools.