Almshouse Census Update – date for completing extended

Dear Members

A HUGE THANK YOU to all member charities who have already completed The Great Almshouse Census.

You represent over 41% of our membership and normally that would be a brilliant response for a survey. But, for The Almshouse Association and the movement to be in a position of strength – so that we can influence local and national government to treat almshouses as a very worthwhile and valuable service to the community, or for Trusts and donors to choose almshouses to be beneficiaries of their funds – we will need many more almshouse charities to complete the census.

Our hope is that the census will give us the tools we need to be able to speak with confidence and clarity to people of influence about the current status of the almshouse movement and those it serves today.

I know how busy you are, but please spend a few moments completing the survey and help us protect the character and status of almshouses so that we can all ensure they continue to provide warm, happy and safe homes for people in need for many more generations to come.

Please access the census by clicking in the below link:

The Great Almshouse Census – click here

Your help in completing the census will be invaluable. Thank you in advance for your time.

Warmest regards

Nick Phillips
CEO of The Almshouse Association

Association’s inaugural Research Conference, London

The Almshouse Association holds its first Research Conference

In January 2024, Nick Phillips,  CEO of The Almshouse Association, hosted the inaugural Almshouse Association Research Conference at Mercers Hall in London, inviting 25 prominent researchers, funders, architects and almshouse managers from across the UK and Europe.

The event opened with a review of the significant studies undertaken in the field so far, with attendees presenting their research focus and findings. Discussions followed exploring forthcoming priorities and building awareness of the almshouse movement.

In the last decade, interest in the almshouse model has surged, prompting researchers to delve into a better understanding of the almshouse model while gauging the positive impact almshouses have on their residents.

Whilst other related research has probed social housing, private elderly rented housing, living in historic buildings and co-housing, incorporating elements of the almshouse model, the primary focus of this conference was the assessment of the almshouse model itself, extending the focus to identify pivotal factors contributing to the impact of almshouses on residents and the community, encompassing architecture, community scale, governance and societal changes.

“It was a really insightful day and fantastic to meet other academics and share findings…”

The garnered insights will serve to prioritise areas for future research, potentially steering the almshouse model and similar models towards enhanced community housing solutions.

Special tours took place on the second day of the conference. Firstly, Hopton’s Almshouses, one of the most iconic almshouse dwellings belonging to Association members, United St Saviours Charity, then onto Appleby Blue, its polar opposite and the Southwark charity’s most recent innovative almshouse development. These tours aimed to underscore the striking parallels between the old and the new, firmly rooted in the timeless architectural design principles of almshouses—emphasising community, neighbourliness and compassion, all of which are integral aspects of their heritage which spans a millennium.

Post-tour, the group exchanged experiences from each almshouse and contemplated how these insights could positively shape the future of almshouse development.

“As interest grows in the past research and developing recognition of the success of the model it is more important than ever that we understand the human and built environment aspects that make the greatest difference. It was a pleasure to see interest from the UK and Dutch leading universities.”

Nick Phillips, CEO, The Almshouse Association

posted 29 January 2024

Latest changes to Charities Act 2022

– Charities Act 2022

Yesterday, on 23 January 2024, the Government published notification of the latest changes being introduced early 2024 by the Charities Act 2022 (the Act), which amends the Charities Act 2011 .

Members may wish to look at Selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of charity land. The following provisions, which were due to come into force on 14 June 2023 but did not, will be coming into force:

  • provisions relating to disposals by liquidators, provisional liquidators, receivers, mortgagees or administrators
  • provisions relating to the taking out of mortgages by liquidators, provisional liquidators, receivers, mortgagees or administrators
  • changes about what must be included in statements and certificates for both disposals and mortgages

Other amends include making changes to governing documents, charity mergers and further enabling the Commission’s involvement in some trustee related scenarios.

Click here to access the gov.uk webpage which provides short summaries of the changes that are due to come into force in early 2024 and links to their updated guidance for the changes that came into force on 14 June 2023 and 31 October 2022.

An overview of the full changes can be found on this page: Charities Act 2022: implementation plan.

24 January 2024

APPG: Call for Evidence

– News – Housing LIN – Sheltered Housing – Evidence needed

Dear Members,

I have received this call for evidence on the regeneration of outdated sheltered housing from Housing LIN and the APPG Older People Housing. The spirit of the group is focused on nudging the government to better sheltered housing. Although not directly our field, I believe we have valuable input from the almshouse world. The direction seems to be to modernise and upgrade. I would welcome your input – just in bullet point format if you feel appropriate but it would help me to make a rounded response.

The closing date is late Feb  but if I could ask for your bullet point responses by Feb 2nd that will give time to collate and investigate if needed. I know you are busy so just the headlines will help significantly.

Many thanks

Nick Phillips
CEO, The Almshouse Association

IMPORTANT: Filing of Accounts with the Charity Commission

Filing Annual Accounts and the Charity Commission

The Almshouse Association is aware of the technical issues that a number of our members have experienced when trying to file their charity’s Accounts with the Charity Commission and we have, therefore, referred this to the Commission.

We have subsequently been informed that it is possible for charities to request that their Accounts are ‘backdated to show as compliant’ once filed.

If you are experiencing problems in accessing the online service, it is necessary to complete an enquiry form, or alternatively call the Charity Commission’s contact centre on 0300 066 9197 (Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm).  

Click for Charity Commission Enquiry Form

Text from Charity Commission Website regarding filing annual accounts at:
Prepare a charity annual return – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

NOTE: Access to the Charity Commission’s online services has changed. From 31 July 2023 your previous shared charity login details will no longer work.

You need to have set up your own My Charity Commission Account, using an individual email address and password, to access services on behalf of a charity.

If you have already set up your new account, with personal login information, you can sign in to submit your charity’s annual return.

When to submit your annual return

You must submit your annual return within 10 months of the end of your financial year.

For example, if your financial year end was 31 December 2022, your deadline is 31 October 2023.

What charitable companies and unincorporated organisations need to submit
Income under £10,000

You only need to report your income and spending.

Select ‘Annual return’ from your available services when you login to your account.

Income between £10,000 and £25,000

You must answer questions about your charity in an annual return.

You do not need to include any other documents.

Income over £25,000

You must answer questions about your charity in an annual return.

You will need to declare that there are no serious incidents that you have not reported to us. Report serious incidents before you submit your annual return.

You will need to get your accounts checked and provide copies of your:

You also need a full audit if you have:

  • income over £1 million
  • gross assets over £3.26 million and income over £250,000

Prepare your annual report and accounts first. You can then upload them when you complete your annual return.

What type of accounts you need to prepare depends on the type of charity and its finances.

What charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) need to submit

You must answer questions about your charity in an annual return and include copies of your:

If your income is over £25,000 you also need to:

You also need a full audit if you have:

  • income over £1 million
  • gross assets over £3.26 million and income over £250,000

Prepare and agree your annual report and accounts first. You can then upload them when you complete your annual return.

What type of accounts you need to prepare depends on your charity’s finances.

posted 18 January 2024

Almshouses on Channel 5

The Almshouse Association was thrilled to receive a call from Channel 5 wishing to run a piece on almshouses in London over the Christmas period.

Our plans, however, were thwarted by conflicting schedules, train strikes and inclement weather. Fortunately, we had furnished the production company with so many captivating stories about almshouses, Channel 5 was still eager to film and we agreed a date for after Christmas.

So on Wednesday 3 January 2024, Almshouse Association CEO, Nick Phillips and PR Manager Gerry Harmon, together with the Almshouse Manager of livery company The Worshipful Company of Mercers, Sarah Oliver, met up with Channel 5 presenter, Natalia Jorquera and her film crew at Trinity Hospital Almshouses in Greenwich. The weather was on our side and they were able to film the stunning architecture and gardens of the almshouses before going inside to take a look at life behind the ornate doors.

During the interview, Nick Phillips talked about the origins of almshouses, their growing demand and how they play a vital role in the provision of community-led affordable housing for people that cannot afford to buy their own house. Residents Geraldine and Terry talked to the presenter about almshouse living and what it meant to them with Geraldine proudly giving Natalia a guided tour.

At the end of the interview Nick Phillips emphasised the crucial requirement for increased philanthropic support so that more almshouses can be built and those that we have can continue to be well run and cost-efficient for many more generations to come.

Our thanks to the residents of Trinity Almshouses, to Sarah Oliver, Almshouse Manager at The Worshipful Company of Mercers and to Channel 5 for helping to raise the profile of almshouses. They also kindly supplied us with a video clip of the news item for everyone to view.

Please click >>>>to access>>>>>

posted 8 January 2024

RSL rent cap set at 7.7%

When meeting ministers, The Almshouse Association continues to emphasise the importance of providing long term guidance and stability so our members can budget over a longer term.

Today (4 Jan 2024) the Regulator of Social Housing (RSL) published its annual rent limit guidance document. This latest Policy Statement on Rents for Social Housing applies to 2024/25 increases and confirms a maximum 7.7% for social housing rent increases ( i.e. the September CPI (6.7%) + 1% = 7.7%) from April 2024.

Annual adjustment of formula rent
Every year, the annual September Consumer Price Index figure is used to establish the limit on annual rent increases for social housing. The RSL’s Annual Rent Limit Guidance document document contains adjusted tables to help providers ensure that they use the correct annual percentage to increase their rent. It also provides the additional data needed to work out formula rent for new properties.
Full guidance on how to calculate formula rents can be found in the Policy Statement on Rents for Social Housing (Policy Statement) which is published on the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities website. The Policy Statement sets out the government’s policy on rents from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

Whilst almshouse charities do not charge rent, and government guidance does apply to Registered Providers’ weekly maintenance charges, non-registered provider almshouse charities may want to use the information for information/ guidance purposes. Please also see our guidance here:
https://www.almshouses.org/news/wmc-specimen-outline-budget-2024/

posted 4 January 2024

The Great Almshouse Census – deadline extended

……census submission deadline extended……

Dear Members

The Great Almshouse Census has now hopefully been received by all our main charity contacts via email, but just in case it has gone astray, we are also including a link in this website post. Please ensure only one census is completed per charity so please check to see who in your charity is responsible for completing it before you start.

The survey should take you between 5-10 minutes to complete. We would be most grateful if the census could be returned by the end of January 2024, but do please let us know if you need more time. (If the information is not at your fingertips we would rather a “best guess”  over non-completion – so don’t worry too much about detailed investigation, ballpark figures are fine.)

Please click here to access the census

Why are we doing it?

We are trying to protect the character and status of almshouses and influence local and national government to treat almshouses as a very worthwhile and valuable service to the community. To do this we need to speak with confidence about the almshouse model and those it serves. We also need to keep developing our service to meet your current and future needs – to make your lives as trustees and clerks easier and, working with you, plan ahead for the long term.

Every question here has been ‘sweated over’ to make sure we are only asking questions that we know will be of value to you as members and the Association when making the case for support. Once completed we think the evidence produced will help put us in a very robust position to speak about the amazing contribution almshouse charities make in today’s society. We will gather the data and share it back with all our members before working with local and national government on a long-term engagement and profile raising project.

We know you are all so busy but your help in completing the census will be invaluable, and we promise we won’t ask you to do the same next year – this will serve for a good few years to come.

Thank you so much in advance. It’s really appreciated.
Warmest regards

Nick Phillips CEO
The Almshouse Association
 

NB: If you would like to view the census, before you start it, please click here for a downloadable pdf copy. Please do, however, complete the census online using the link above

30 November 2023, updated 21 December 2023

Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill 2023: almshouses recognised

Almshouses have been recognised in Government response to consultation on Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill 2023

As you are no doubt aware, there has been a significant debate on the National Planning Policy Framework. The Almshouse Association has called for this debate and is largely responsible for the questions in the debate around affordable housing definition. We believe that the charity model of almshouses should be included in this definition and have made that position ….. (probably tiresomely) clear to The Secretary of State. (many thanks to you all for your many letters.)

The results of that consultation were released on 20 December 2023 and can be accessed via:

Government response to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy consultation – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You will see that we were influential in two aspects: Q26/27

More community-led developments

Question 26 – Should the definition of ‘affordable housing for rent’ in the Framework glossary be amended to make it easier for organisations that are not Registered Providers – in particular, community-led developers and almshouses – to develop new affordable homes?

Response: A total of 1,052 respondents answered yes/no/indifferent to this question. Of those, 741 (70%) agreed with the proposal, 102 (10%) did not agree and 209 (20%) were indifferent.

Key points:

  • There was widespread agreement that community-led housing and almshouses have an important contribution to make in boosting housing supply and supporting affordable housing delivery.
  • The responses focused on the requirement in the current definition of ‘affordable housing for rent’ that the landlord must be a registered provider of social housing. That requirement is seen by some as a barrier to non-registered organisations providing new affordable housing.  Many responses suggested that the removal of the registered provider test is widely seen as being helpful in enabling more community-led groups and almshouses – and potentially other organisations – to deliver more housing.
  • There was widespread agreement that, in the absence of a registered provider test, some other strong safeguards would be needed to ensure good landlord practice, appropriate standards and appropriate pricing.
  • Several respondents suggested that the current registration scheme may be the best way of ensuring adequate standards are maintained.
  • In many cases, it was not clear from the responses that those who supported the proposal (that is, that the definition of ‘affordable housing for rent’ should be amended) were clear about why the current restrictions are in place. No respondents suggested that the removal of the registered provider test need to be accompanied by some other form of regulation or safeguarding of standards.
  • Although not explicitly asked within the question, many responses included comments about accommodation falling within the definition of affordable housing not being affordable in practice.

Government response:

This proposal was intended to support and encourage more community-led affordable housing to come forward, specifically through amending the National Planning Policy Framework glossary which defines ‘affordable housing for rent’. The Government has carefully considered the responses to the consultation and is grateful for the range of views received.

As a result of the responses, the government will consider – as part of future updates to the National Planning Policy Framework – whether the definition of ‘affordable housing for rent’ should now be amended to include homes of which the landlord is not a registered provider. In doing so, we will consider what alternative safeguards might be required to ensure that appropriate protections are in place for the residents who will live in those homes.

The Almshouse Association is working with The Department of Levelling, Communities and Housing to see how this translates into change that local and national government can use to support the almshouse model – a small step forward. We will keep you in informed

posted 21 December 2023

English Housing Survey results published

The English Housing Survey (EHS) is a national survey of people’s housing circumstances and the condition and energy efficiency of housing in England.

It is one of the longest standing government surveys and was first run in 1967.

On 14 December 2023 Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities published the initial findings from the 2022-23 survey, which can be accessed via the gov.uk website.

The release of this data is a good reminder of two important reports carried out for The Almshouse Association.

These and other reports can be found on our website via Almshouse research and published material

18 December 2023

Above graphics credit/source: gov.uk