Julian

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  • in reply to: Housing Ombudsman Annual Submission #154862
    Julian
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    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

    in reply to: Housing Ombudsman Annual Submission #153704
    Julian
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    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

    in reply to: EPCs #153476
    Julian
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    The advice that we have received is that there is no legal requirement for almshouses to have Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) irrespective of whether the buildings are listed are not. However, it is recommended that EPCs be obtained as it is likely they will be a requirement in the future and indicate that almshouse charities are abiding by best practice. Our manual, ‘Standards of Almshouse Management’ has recently been updated on the subject and full details may be found at 16.8.1. Julian Marczak, Head of Member Services, The Almshouse Association.

    in reply to: Sheds #152937
    Julian
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    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

    in reply to: Housing Ombudsman Annual Submission #144542
    Julian
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    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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