[Charlotte Barrett]

We require all trustees to undergo a DBS check at appointment and again upon re‑appointment.
This is important as trustees may, at times, be asked to undertake home visits, which can involve contact with vulnerable residents. Ensuring appropriate checks are in place supports both safeguarding responsibilities and the protection of residents.
In this particular case, as the issue relates to hoarding — which is recognised as a mental health condition — it is essential that any involvement is handled appropriately and sensitively, in line with safeguarding and support best practice.

Kind regards
Charlotte Barrett
The United Charities of Abel Collin

[Charlotte Barrett]

I read this thread with interest. Historically, we had always included Housing Benefit as a criteria for residency. However, when we had two vacant properties restricted to couples, we were unable to fill them despite extensive advertising, particularly through local Spotted pages and community groups in the areas that benefit from our work.
At a recent Board meeting, I presented a case study demonstrating that a person can be in genuine need of residency without necessarily being in receipt of benefits. Following that discussion, our trustees agreed to amend the criteria. Once we re-advertised the vacancies without the Housing Benefit requirement, we received strong interest.
We have since interviewed three prospective residents for the voids, all of whom were in significant need of support and clearly met our charitable objective of assisting people of modest means.
The trustees have now agreed that future applications should be considered on a case-by-case basis, with priority given to applicants who have very limited disposable income.

[Charlotte Barrett]

Hi Cath

It means that trustees must act in the best interests of the charity and its residents and not themselves, manage and run the almshouse entirely for the benefit of the charity and its residents, acting honestly, responsibly, and without personal gain.

Kind regards

Charlotte

[Charlotte Barrett]

I email the LOA and HB form directly to the Benefits Department when complete (I help the resident fill a paper copy) and break down the costs on the HB form for the resident.

I also ensure they tick the box stating Benefits can contact me directly. It is confusing, but the Benefit will only be paid on the WMC element, so if you include anything else, like utilities, they will not count this as (rent). I also cross out any references to rent and change it to Weekly Maintenance Contribution and also state clearly they are a beneficiary of a charity, a resident and not a tenant.

This is how I would normally word finance on the Housing Benefit Claim Form:

The weekly maintenance contribution of £……… includes an element of utility charges (gas and electricity), fixed at £…… per week.
Sewerage and water charges are paid directly by the Charity and this charge is not passed on to the resident.

Never had problems with our local council, only Universal Credit, who don’t understand the concept of an Almshouse and seem to think it’s a carehome.

Kind regards

Charlotte Barrett
The United Charities of Abel Collin

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