2024 AGM | The Almshouse Association

The Almshouse Association held its 73^rd Annual General Meeting on Thursday 27 June 2024.

Please see our summary below:

Association Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell (WHR) presented an update on the current position of The Almshouse Association (TAA). He outlined the key issues, highlighting that heritage and conservation are an important aspect of TAA work. He confirmed that 2023 had been a good year for TAA, with increased users to our website, a bigger social media and national press footprint, engagement with MPs continuing at a pace and engagement with members though regional meetings. He spoke of the new Charity Health Check and Standards of Almshouse Management update and its recognition by The Charity Commission. We ended the year in a sound financial position with good progress on the TAA 5-year strategy. He went on to thank staff, trustees, ambassadors and members for helping make 2023 a very successful year.

WHR was also delighted to announce that His Majesty King Charles III will continue as our Royal Patron and HRH The Duke of Gloucester will remain as our vice Patron.

The Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held at One Great George Street, Westminster, London Thursday 15^th June, 2023, were voted on and agreed to be correct.

Board Election – Clive Cook sought re-election to the Board of Trustees. This was voted on and confirmed.

Presentation and Adoption of the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts: presented by Mr S J Ling (SL) – Honorary Treasurer
- SL summarised the outcome of last year as an overall net deficit of £142,438 which was slightly higher than the previous year’s deficit. This deficit is stated before an increase in the value of our investments of £870,356. Which more than reversed the reduction that occurred in 2022.
- Much of the income and funds are restricted. With regards to the day-to-day running of the Association, TAA relies on unrestricted income to meet staff salaries and other costs. In 2023 the total income was £893,469 with 18% restricted income and 82% from unrestricted income.
- Expenditure last year was £1,035,907, 14% of that came from restricted funds.
- Spending from unrestricted funds formed about 86% of the total, of which staff costs were 48% and other expenses 38% of the total.
- TAA receives restricted income; and amongst other things this provides the funds out of which TAA provides interest free loans to members. Other expenses have to be paid out of the unrestricted income, therefore, it is important that TAA breaks even in this respect.
- The Association continues to be financially strong and well positioned to continue to provide the support that its members need and expect.

TAA Auditors, Buzzacott LLP, have signed off the financial statements with a clean report. The motion to adopt the TAA Annual Report and Accounts was proposed and approved.
- The re-appointment of Buzzacott as auditors was voted on and approved.
Any Other Business – none
The Almshouse Association CEO, Nick Phillips (NP) gave thanks to staff and the Board for their support during 2023, confirming
- TAA Standards of Almshouse Management manual is reviewed and updated so that it can continue to be trusted as robust and legally compliant.
- TAA work with the government continues behind the scenes. There is a need to continue to ensure almshouses are protected from the regulation.
- TAA strategy: to 2030 – Protect and Build are the two core elements.
- TAA will provide dedicated resources to help members with the big challenges such as recruiting trustees and building robust boards.
- building awareness when talking to the Government.
- new charities to be encouraged to establish. It has been 40 years since the last new almshouse charity was introduced.
- TAA might need to look at a code of practice to persuade Government to recognise the model in planning terms.
NP thanked all the almshouse charity trustees for the hard work that they put in.

posted 18 July 2024