Sheds

[Tim Richardson]

We carry out a large number of surveys of Almshouse property, one issue that comes up fairly frequently is where residents are allowed to erect their own sheds or greenhouses. This is fine as long as they are in good repair but if residents leave or are no longer able to maintain the sheds or greenhouses they often become dilapidated or even dangerous. Do charities dispose or repair them on the residents’ behalf?

I can’t see anything specific in the Standards of Almshouse Management or other guidance and wondered how charities deal with this?

Tim Richardson
Birmingham

• This topic was modified 2 months, 1 week ago by Tim Richardson.

[William Clemmey]

Tim
We have now taken to repairing them or replacing if they are dilapidated
It’s just easier and then if needed we would effectively have control over them
Residents seem to appreciate the change in policy
It also means that we can ensure that they do not become an eyesore
William Clemmey
Chiefofficer@municipal-charities.org.uk

[Tim Richardson]

Thanks William, that’s a good stance to take.

[Julian]

This raises an interesting question about residents having garden sheds which in our experience is in the minority. As Tim has pointed out, the subject is not covered in ‘SAM’ and this is because such arrangements tend to be specific between the residents concerned and their respective charities. The practice highlighted by William would seem to be a sensible way forward. Julian Marczak The Almshouse Association

[Avril Steele]

We provide some sheds which we build and maintain, as it is helpful for the Brothers to have some outdoor space in which to store some of their belongings especially if they have a garden chair, spare boxes etc..

Avril Steele
Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty

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