This forces the hand of congregations that had held onto funds rather than pass them to the organisation earlier in the year. Some may have been close to purchase of land and building and had not handed their funds over. Dress it up how they like it is saying that congregations are no longer able to make these decisions or hold money for purchase and build. Congregations cannot hold funds to modify halls, build extensions or claim larger than average maintenance costs.
It is looking at selling off underutilised, hard to maintain older properties for which congregations may choose to hold larger maintenance budgets. The decision of what falls within this category will be determined at a higher level congregations have no control on how they are designated. More congregations will use halls but all will be expected to donate the same as they did previously and will be expected to send a large proportion of funds to the society. Maintenance costs per congregation will be reduced but since no congregation can hold a surplus the society benefits.
If they determine that 4 congregations using the hall works well it will become the norm. New halls will need to serve four congregations. Small congregations will need to travel further since 1 hall used by a small rural congregation will be deemed under utilised. It is also presenting the idea that if you are not sharing your hall then you are not using it appropriately. If you already share with 2 other congregations then there is no need for you to have a hall of your own.
The land halls are built on is designated for religious buildings but planning changes are possible otherwise there would be no converted churches as there are across the UK.