[clerk@salisburyalmshouses.co.uk]

We don’t have Residents attending Board meetings for all the reasons laid out above. We do, however, have a Residents’ Forum twice a year where a representative from each of our sites can meet with two Trustees, our Buildings Maintenance Officer and me to discuss any recommendations/suggestions. The Forum may discuss any aspect of the services and maintenance provided by the Charities, but not items which fall within the remit of the Wardens or which would be covered under the complaints procedure. The Forum will not discuss matters pertaining to specific individuals other than as an example of a wider concern.

It has been relatively successful. The Residents from the different sites get to meet one another, they also get an understanding of how much we actually do at the different sites and how much money it costs. If nothing else, they feel that they are being listened to.

Susan Coen
Salisbury City Almshouse & Welfare Charities

[clerk@salisburyalmshouses.co.uk]

Dear Charles

As well as sheltered accommodation for older people, we also administer a charity offering low priced housing to single parents and young families.

Originally the residents were given licences much the same as our older people. However, this meant that they still stayed in the properties after their circumstances had changed (children flown the nest, new job with more money, relationship meaning two salaries etc). When I became Clerk the Trustees agreed that we should ask all new residents of these properties to reapply on an annual basis. We ask them for their financial details, and three months’ pay slips and bank statements. This way we can ensure that the people we house are still eligible. If the Trustees feel that they are no longer eligible, then they are given notice.

We make it very clear at interview and on appointment that the accommodation is not permanent and is aimed at giving the families a ‘leg up the ladder’ and we encourage them to save – doesn’t always work!!

Do feel free to contact me should you want to discuss this further.

Susan Coen
clerk@salisburyalmshouses.co.uk

[clerk@salisburyalmshouses.co.uk]

It would be good to have a reason why this is in the SAM.

Susan Coen
Salisbury City Almshouse & Welfare Charities

[clerk@salisburyalmshouses.co.uk]

We have a separate Maintenance Charge (eligible for Housing Benefit), and a Support Charge and a Heating & Hot Water charge.

Salisbury City Almshouse & Welfare Charities

[clerk@salisburyalmshouses.co.uk]

Hi Lisa

I find this most bizarre – why on earth would they need to know details of other Residents? I cannot see how this information would be relevant and would imagine this is in breach of data protection rules!

Susan Coen, Salisbury City Almshouse & Welfare Charities

[clerk@salisburyalmshouses.co.uk]

Hi Janet

As almshouse charities all vary in size and the clerk’s role is also varied, I would advise you to contact almshouse charities which are of a similar size to yours and see if they will share this information with you.

Susie Coen
Salisbury City Almshouse & Welfare Charities

[clerk@salisburyalmshouses.co.uk]

We hold a Residents’ Forum two or three times a year where each of our 12 sites is invited to send a representative to bring up any issue/suggestion. Two of our Trustees attend as well as our Buildings Maintenance Officer and me. We ask in advance for any issues they are going to bring up and tell them that this is not a venue for them to bring up day to day issues which can be dealt with by the site Wardens or minor squabbles among residents etc. We then send out an agenda, and we send out minutes afterwards. At the first meeting of the year we tell them all the maintenance we are planning for the year.

It has been reasonably successful. Initially we did get a lot of moaning and minor complaints, as well as suggestions such as each site having a mobile bank, but over the last year or so they have been much more productive and more sensible. It has also made them realise just how much we actually do and how much money we spend! We do have to be fairly strict about the time as otherwise they would sit and natter and complain for hours, and drink tea and each chocolate biscuits…

Susan Coen
Salisbury City Almshouse & Welfare Charities

[clerk@salisburyalmshouses.co.uk]

We don’t have a policy, but we have accepted Ukrainian refugees even if they have not lived in the area for long. Most are young families in our general needs housing, but we do have an elderly couple on a Warden supported site. They behave impeccably and look after their almshouses, but communication can be a problem.

Susan Coen
Salisbury City Almshouse & Welfare Charities

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