[p.turner@wycombealmshouses.co.uk]

Thank you Tina

It feels like an impossible situation. By definition of being kept in hospital, the resident cannot live independently (at this moment in time, or if ever – no-one is telling us) and no-one can look into the future. She has an ASC worker and another social worker. I have been told there is a ward meeting today! Hope to have some information.

I have also booked a meeting with a solicitor to discuss the legal aspect – but for us, it is more of a moral dilemma. If we cancel the licence, she will not be able to be discharged and the local authority will need to find alternative accommodation. She has occupied the property for less time than she has been in hospital.

[p.turner@wycombealmshouses.co.uk]

Hi

Yes we have the same issue although on a limited scale. Overnight stays are covered within our handbook which allows occasional stays and only after being authorised by the Trustees. So this aspect can be controlled.

We also include in our handbook a provision that residents must be mindful of others and not cause a nuisance. If you have had complaints then I assume a nuisance is being caused and if you have a similar wording in your handbook you can also manage this.

Maybe give a gentle warning? followed by a sterner letter if situation persists.

It should be pointed out that the health and safety of visiting children is the responsibility of the resident, and consider banning them from going anywhere near the water. You are quite right in stating that the Almshouses is not a kindergarten and your beneficiaries are your priority.

[p.turner@wycombealmshouses.co.uk]

Hi

always best to confirm with your Local Authority. The LA can set their own rules. We are fortunate in that Charities are exempt for all CT if the property is used for it’s charitable purposes no matter how long the property is empty between residents. Other LAs might not be so generous.

[p.turner@wycombealmshouses.co.uk]

We do not charge a deposit.

When a licence ends, we expect that the flat will need re-decoration, and new carpets in most cases (we would always clean them even if they looked OK), even if the flat has been well looked after, before a new licensee moves in. We have also had residents who have not kept their flat up to the standard we would have liked, but we would have refreshed the decorating and/or professionally deep cleaned anyway so not really an issue.

The real issue is when we have a resident living in unhabitable conditions due to their own making! but then there are usually other factors that need to be addressed.

[p.turner@wycombealmshouses.co.uk]

We point out that WMC is payable until the flat is emptied and keys handed back and we have a 4 weeks notice policy.

However, we take individual circumstances into account and are mindful of the often difficult and stressful time the relatives might be having and are flexible. We have found that being upfront as soon as possible is often helpful to the relatives who just need to know what they need to do and in most cases have been grateful to be told. This has, in more cases than not, resulted in the flat being handed back quite quickly and the WMC being paid.

[p.turner@wycombealmshouses.co.uk]

Hi

We are also looking at this – merging two Almshouses Charities. We have started the process and engaged a solicitor. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you

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