[Julian]

Continued acceptance of the WMC after notice has been served to set aside a resident’s appointment could be taken as evidence that the licence is ongoing or been renewed. It could even risk a landlord-tenancy relationship being created in place of a charitable licence, making it harder for the charity to regain possession legally. Gaining legal advice is always recommended when residents’ appointments are set aside. Julian Marczak- Head of Member Services The Almshouse Association

[Julian]

Almshouse charities are, of course, not commercial landlords and charging deposits to residents would go against their charitable nature and legal framework. Requiring a deposit would confuse the legal status of charities on the basis that residents are licencees and not tenants; charging deposits would suggest a commercial tenancy is in place as opposed to a licence. This aside, requiring deposits could prevent some from applying to be a beneficiary of the charity. The situation highlighted emphasises the need for routine regular checks to be made of the almshouse dwellings, arranged with prior notice. These provide opportunities to detect issues at an early stage before they become expensive problems. Communication with residents and support provided to them where needed proves to be highly beneficial in the majority of cases. Julian Marczak, Head of Member Services, The Almshouse Association

[Julian]

A number of our member almshouse charities have been in communication with us expressing their concerns about the onerous requirements of the Housing Ombudsman Annual Submission. Our Chief Executive, Nick Phillips and I have therefore arranged to meet the HO team at the end of this month when we will be proposing that the process is reduced and simplified as far as possible in order to achieve proportionality for almshouse charities. Julian Marczak, Head of Member Services, The Almshouse Association

[Julian]

A number of our member almshouse charities have expressed their concern at the complexity and amount of work involved in making submissions to the Housing Ombudsman which is why the Almshouse Association is arranging a meeting with the Ombudsman’s office as soon as possible with a view to finding a simpler way forward. The contact there is Maria Troake (mtroake@housing-ombudsman.org.uk) to whom you are able to direct any questions and also apply for an extension in making the submission. As Debbie has stated, the governing body is the charity’s board of trustees. Julian Marczak, Head of Member Services, The Almshouse Association

[Julian]

We are in communication with the Housing Ombudsman who are producing a Toolkit to assist our member almshouse charities which we are due to receive this week. Members may apply to them for an extension to the date by which submissions are due and a message is being posted on our website. Julian Marczak Head of Member Services The Almshouse Association

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