The almshouse movement’s next philanthropists?

“Building a new generation of almshouses could restore the Church’s sense of social mission – in partnership with industry!“

The Times recently published an article by James Vitali on ‘How the Church of England can help solve the housing crisis’, who writes that:

“Building almshouses on its 100,000 acres of land would be locally popular, nationally valuable and give the church a fresh sense of mission.”

Association CEO, Nick Phillips agrees, adding:

“Building a new generation of almshouses could restore the Church’s sense of social mission – in partnership with industry!“

Historically, almost all almshouse charities have been founded through a collaboration of the Church and philanthropy. Almshouses are places where people, hope and friendships flourish, but there are just not enough almshouses to meet demand.  James is, therefore, asking the right questions but should we also be asking others as well as the church?  

The Church and almshouses have been intertwined since the start of the almshouse movement

The Church, ancient though it is, has also been a driver for social change in some areas such as housing, especially in the creation of almshouses. It is hard to imagine a time when there were no provisions for housing those in need – the almshouse model has been the backbone throughout the centuries in providing warm, safe, secure homes based on the original spirit of hospitality. These were originally led by the church; ‘hospitals’ from the medieval period still exist and operate today doing what they were designed to do when King Steven was the King of England.

The Church, therefore, has a position to uphold in supporting housing for those in need and The Coming Homes Report Led by The Archbishop of Canterbury unpins the Church’s position today. So, I agree with James – why not expand the reach of the Church to make an impact that could last for another thousand years by releasing Church land to build almshouses today so that, in the true spirit of charity, more people in need may be provided with a safe, comfortable, affordable home?

The Church could offer part of the solution as it holds land in places where almshouses have their best impact. A partnership between almshouse charities and the Church must generate more almshouse schemes, but I wonder if this is only part of the solution. Today, when we see independent reports demonstrating that almshouses actually contribute value to the State and that living in an almshouse can even extend life expectancy, we should be asking, “Who else could continue the one-thousand-year almshouse legacy?” We could also be asking, “Where are all the industry philanthropists now who once stood shoulder to shoulder with the Church?”

History shows that other great institutions established almshouses and many of the Livery Companies and industries are still very committed to the almshouse model because they know it supports the wellbeing of residents. The Weavers, Ironmongers, Skinners, Mercers, Lightermen, Printers, Leathersellers and many other Worshipful Companies regarded them then and still today, for their great added value in housing people in a community of good neighbours. Big industry philanthropists have, for example, supported retired miners and those who worked in the printing industry and we also see cases where the military have embraced the almshouse model. As well as encouraging the Church to step forward, should we ask industry leaders of today such as technology companies, finance companies and property companies to build almshouses too?

Does the Government play a role in the almshouse renaissance?

The Government, through Housing Associations, creates housing at scale, but it is just not enough in many cases. With thousands of people in sub-standard housing and over one million on council waiting lists, urgent action is needed, and what could be better than creating more almshouses? Run by voluntary trustees in a cost-effective way that alleviates some of the burden on State finances, together with their provision of warm, comfortable homes within special almshouse communities must surely be the way forward.

One of The Almshouse Association’s founders said,
“almshouses are too important to leave to the State” and these are telling words.

Society’s problems today can’t all be fixed by the Government, but the Government can help by giving almshouse charities the same opportunity as large Housing Associations and private companies, especially by recognising the almshouse model as ‘affordable housing’ in its planning policy.

Almshouses are charities in spirit and function, communities of good neighbours living together for their mutual comfort and well-being rather than being ‘just housing’. The Church and its land must be part of the solution for almshouse residents and the Church itself. Let’s bring together Church, industry and Government to add more of this great value asset to society and help build more almshouses.  

To read James Vitali’s article, dated Wednesday April 24, 2024, please click here.
For Policy Exchange’s broader work on housing, please click here.

Further reading:

posted 8 May 2024

Talking EPCs, decarbonisation and heritage

Almshouse Association CEO, Nick Phillips, attends the Heritage Building and Decarbonisation Group workshop at Historic England Head Office.

On Wednesday 1 May 2024, Historic England, the National Trust, the Church Commissioners,  Dutchy of Cornwall, Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the Crown Estate, BRE Group and others all met to consider the impact and implementation of current EPC (Energy Efficiency Certification) process and legislation on the heritage sector.

Jo Lugg, National Trust talking at the workshop

The group have been concerned that the current EPC model is too simplistic in the face of changing technology, listed building status and buildings that function in a variety of ways. The use of a building is important in considering decarbonisation intervention and, in the heritage world, the almshouse is unique in its use so we need to monitor the EPC changes to make sure it works for our members

We are grateful to Keeran Jugdoyal, Head of Net Zero Buildings at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) who presented the latest direction on EPC strategy and took soundings on heritage buildings and how current EPCs could better reflect the reality of listed buildings.

The group were able to raise questions and give feedback into the development process and the direction of the next EPC measures appears to represent a positive direction, better able to balance energy costs, energy efficiency and carbon output. The group will be working with the DLUHC team to make sure they are flexible enough to cope with listed buildings.

Nick Phillips raised the significant concerns of our members, particularly those working with heritage buildings, and requested a simpler, return of investment and impact priority output from the system, as well as clarity and speed with the heritage exemption process.

There are changes to the RDSAP (Reduced data Standard Assessment Procedure) process that should add value to the system with better interpretation of ventilation, value of Photo Voltaics, better impact measures for windows, and solid wall construction, as well as shutters and new insulation material.

The EPC is here to stay but we all need it to produce pragmatic solutions reflecting the nature of the building.

posted 2 May 2024

Lessons Learnt – former Charity Commission CEO reflects

As Helen Stephenson CBE steps down from her position as CEO of the Charity Commission, in one of her final speeches as CEO, she reflects on 7 lessons she has learnt about the charity sector – one for each of her years in office..

  1. The role of charity in society
  2. No right number of charities
  3. The Charity Commission’s resources versus expectation creep
  4. The balance of regulation
  5. Scrutiny of charity leaders
  6. Volunteer trusteeship must remain attractive proposition
  7. Purpose-ride or die

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association believes that, for him, one of these reflections stands out as the most valuable and, in many ways, informs all the rest – Helen’s last comment on leadership and direction:

“When I reflect on what it is that makes the difference between a charity that succeeds and one that gets lost along the way, it is this: a great charity is one whose trustees and wider leadership, over time, are led always and alone by the charity’s purposes. Not by whim, fashion, or funding but by a shared commitment to delivering on the purposes that got the charity on the register in the first place.

This is easy to say, but it can be difficult to achieve day to day.

It requires consistent leadership and oversight by trustees who are prepared to support, help and hold to account their executive team. It requires confidence, resilience, and courage – including the courage to say no to funding or a contract that would lead the charity away from its core purpose.

Please, if you take anything away with you from what I’ve said today, let it be this: that as trustees you are first and foremost the steward of your charity’s mission. Whatever talent, experience or skill got you on the board in the first place – once you’re there, your purpose is the charity’s purpose. Don’t allow yourself to be swayed from that purpose by anyone or anything.” 

Helen Stephenson CBE

Having worked for and supported many charities over the years, CEO Nick Phillips agrees, commenting,  

“Many charities succeed and achieve great things – all have had clarity of purpose in all they do. Almshouses have their Governing Documents that may include a Scheme, Will, letter of intent… but the key is the founders wishes and for almshouse charities, those wishes are, fundamentally, for the provision of warm, safe, secure homes for people in need.

“Where I have seen some charities fail is when they lose sight of their true mission. As one of our founders said when forming The Almshouse Association 78 years ago. “A good charity will always survive and thrive.” And no truer statement could be made for the many, many almshouse charities that have continued to stick to their mission of delivering their founders wishes, century after century – to provide safe, warm and affordable homes for people that need them.”

To read Helen’s speech, please click here: Reflections on my time as CEO – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

posted 25 April 2024

What is affordable housing?

Association CEO, Nick Phillips asks ” what is affordable housing?”

Back in 2015, our friends at Shelter asked this question and we are still wondering what the answer is.

The term ‘Affordable Housing’ is thrown around in all circles as if there is one defining measure. The world is complex and generalisations save time,  but there is a cost to having such a broad measure – the cost is the availability of truly, genuinely, affordable homes.

The Government sets a bar of affordable housing being less than 80% of market rents. Have you seen market rents? 80% of unaffordable is still unaffordable for most people on an average income, let alone basic wage.

Today, the average rent in London is circa £2,200 per month. Even with the higher Local Housing Allowance afforded to London residents,  most will be hundreds of pounds short every month. The shortfall is about 30% and this level of unaffordability is repeated across the country.

Instead of rent, almshouse residents pay a weekly maintenance contribution (WMC). Most almshouse charities set their WMC to cover their costs and usually it’s within the Local Housing Allowance figure. This model of affordability dates back to the early days of almshouses and, in most almshouse charity governing documents, you will find the wonderful phrase that, in my mind, is a true measure of how affordable housing can be defined:

 “by living in this almshouse the residents will face no greater hardship”.

I have certainly not seen a better measure of affordability ….. and yet many local councils across the country still do not recognise almshouses as being ‘affordable housing´ in the same way some, less affordable, housing is being supported. When building new almshouses, some almshouse charities are still being required by the local council to pay an ‘affordable housing’ charge which is then paid out to other housing providers who are building houses that are defined as ‘affordable housing’, but often less affordable than the new almshouses being built!

We will be asking the next Government for proper recognition of affordable housing and proper recognition for almshouses. Let’s have an even playing field for the oldest form of genuinely affordable housing and this exemplar model of community housing. We will remind Government that almshouses contribute over £40m every year through reduced calls on state resources.

Nick Phillips
CEO | The Almshouse Association

CEO Blog: Are we losing our way?

The Almshouse Association CEO Nick Phillips comments on the new homeless laws

Rarely do I comment on homeless issues, given the thorough coverage by our colleagues at Shelter, Crisis and other specialised homeless charities. However, when I read about the proposed new laws aimed at driving homeless people off the streets or be faced with prosecution, I couldn’t help but question if we are losing our way.

In a nation of great wealth, the sight of thousands of people enduring nights on our streets and hundreds of thousands residing in temporary accommodation prompts profound reflection. Who, I wonder, are these laws intended to punish?

Recent Government data has unveiled a stark reality: nearly 4,000 individuals slept rough on a single autumn night across England in 2023, marking a distressing 27% increase from the previous year.

This surge in rough sleeping is just one facet of a larger crisis, with an estimated 242,000 households grappling with various forms of homelessness in England. From sofa surfing to enduring temporary accommodation to facing the harshness of sleeping rough, the spectrum of homelessness casts a wide net of suffering. Recent research from Crisis sheds light on the harrowing experiences faced by those living on the streets.

Shockingly, nine out of every ten people sleeping rough have been subjected to violence or abuse, underscoring the urgent need for action to address this humanitarian crisis.

Surely we must consider the ramifications of implementing such laws?  OK, it would shield the majority of commuters, theatre-goers and ‘us ordinary folk’ going about our daily business from the heart wrenching sight of those having to sleep rough, effectively hiding the visible manifestations of homelessness from public view. If that is the objective, the law could work. Perhaps it is bad for tourism or seen as a shameful example of a failing system? But this concealment comes at a significant cost.

Pushing individuals experiencing homelessness into secluded, obscure areas could render them more vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Forced into the shadows, they would be at greater risk of encountering physical harm. Fear of prosecution could also mean others remain trapped in situations of domestic violence. What would the law punish homeless people for?

It’s probably fair to acknowledge that very few individuals opt to live rough as a deliberate lifestyle choice. The circumstances leading to homelessness are often complex and multi-faceted, rooted in systemic issues such as poverty, family breakdown, loss of job, lack of affordable housing and inadequate social support systems. As such, addressing homelessness requires compassionate and comprehensive solutions that address its underlying causes, rather than punitive measures that merely displace the issue.

In 1572, the Poor Laws were introduced to deal with the rising number of homeless people. It was felt that charity, and the Church could no longer manage. I do wonder if we are now at the point where the State is admitting it can no longer support the homeless and we need to re-engage and encourage philanthropy and the Church to step in where the state is not able to cope?

The wisdom shared by one of the founders of The Almshouse Association following the introduction of the Welfare State resonates profoundly with me: “almshouses were too important to leave to the State.” Indeed, evidence from across Europe, where almshouses disappeared as they were subsumed into the state housing provisions, supports this assertion. In light of their historical and ongoing relevance, it’s fortunate that almshouses – the oldest form of affordable community housing – persist in the UK today, providing over 36,000 people with safe and secure homes throughout the country.

With the evolving landscape of housing needs, philanthropic support is becoming increasingly vital to meet the growing demand.

Almshouses represent more than just a housing solution; they embody a tradition of community care and support that can be life changing for all generations. As we navigate the challenges of the contemporary housing crises, preserving and expanding the reach of almshouses would be one of the solutions to help resolve the housing crisis and support the homeless.

I agree with the law makers in one area – we should not have to see homeless people on our street – but we would rather know that they are in a warm safe secure home.

After all, it could happen to anyone of us, at any time...

15 April 2024

Council Tax & Spring Budget update 2024

Please find below a summary of the Spring 2024 Budget and latest council tax news.

Changes to Council Tax Empty Property Premium in England 

New rules on long term empty residential properties in England will come into effect on 1 April 2024, which will mean a property will pay double council tax if it has been empty for 12 months, (this is already the case in Wales and Scotland) rather than the current 2 years.  There are 3 exceptions to note: 

  1. Properties undergoing probate – this may be relevant to members who have been bequeathed property by donors. 
  2. Properties being actively marketing for sale or let – this will be relevant to all members who have empty properties and are looking for residents. 
  3. Empty properties undergoing major repairs or structural alterations. 

All 3 exceptions can provide up to another 12 months and The Almshouse Association considers (2) and (3) are of most relevance to members.   

The Association would urge members to keep records of any active marketing activities they are doing to fill vacancies, as well as major repairs and structural alterations. Should members have difficult in filling vacancies, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team to arrange for an advertisement to be posted on the Association’s website. 

Further details on the Council Tax premium for empty homes in England can be found here.

Spring Budget: 6 March 2024 

There were several announcements in the Budget which The Almshouse Association considers are of interest, which we will report on further, once we have more detail. 

  • 3.23 Following on from the £188 million allocated to housing projects in Sheffield, Blackpool and Liverpool at the Convention of the North on 1 March 2024, the Spring Budget allocates over £240 million to housing projects in London, unlocking up to 7,200 homes in Barking, New Life Sciences Hub and up to 750 homes in Canary Wharf.  Additionally, a new £20 million investment in social finance will build up to 3,000 new homes and improve capacity of local community groups to deliver housing. 
  • 5.60 Community Housing – The government is announcing investment of £20 million in a social finance fund to support the development of community-led housing schemes over ten years, subject to a business case. 

Also of relevance to Registered Social Housing Providers:  

  • 5.69 Stamp Duty Land Tax: Acquisitions by Registered Social Landlords and public bodies – Legislation will be updated to ensure that from 6 March 2024, registered providers of social housing in England and Northern Ireland are not liable for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) when purchasing property with a public subsidy and public bodies will be exempted from the 15% anti-avoidance rate of SDLT.  

Wider change for social housing – Right to Buy

  • 5.71 Allowing local authorities (LAs) additional flexibility in their use of Right to Buy receipts – The government will increase the cap from 40% to 50% on the percentage of the cost of a replacement home that can be funded from Right to Buy receipts. 

Further information can be found here.

In addition, the Chancellor made the following key announcements which the Charity Tax Group consider could also be relevant to charities in general: 

  • The VAT registration threshold for small businesses will increase to £90,000 from 1 April 2024, which will hopefully prevent many smaller charities from being drawn into the VAT net. 
  • The Government will cut the main rate of National Insurance Contributions for employees from 10% to 8%. The main rate of national insurance for the self-employed will reduce from 8% to 6% on Class 4 National Insurance Contributions.  Employers contribution levels are unaffected. 
  • Amendments have been tabled to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill to allow charities to continue to claim Gift Aid on subscription contracts, which could otherwise have been affected by the provisions in the Bill.  

14 March 2024

Michael Gove’s ‘Inside Housing’ interview

Almshouse Association CEO, Nick Phillips, comments on the Michael Gove interview in Inside Housing

That takes us to Mr Gove’s idea for how this could be achieved. Two streets down from DLUHC’s headquarters in Westminster is Page Street, one of London’s most striking housing estates. Its chunky, chequered blocks were the work of the Duke of Westminster, who was looking for a legacy. He gifted the lease to the council in 1929 and commissioned high society architect Edwin Lutyens to design homes specifically “for the working classes”.

A century later, as housing associations struggle to maintain their development programmes under economic pressure, Mr Gove says this altruistic vision for high-quality social rent homes might be reinvigorated. “We can look at some of the existing major landowners who are keen, out of a sense of stewardship, to provide more land for development, and who are keen to ensure that when that land is developed, there is a mix of genuinely affordable and socially rented homes, to do more,” he says.

Prince William’s initiative to use his private estate, the Duchy of Cornwall, for more social rent homes is one example, he suggests. “We are convening conversations with other major landowners in order to see if we can do more, because if you’ve got a whole society approach… then we can build on the progress that we’ve made.”

Extract from Inside Housing Magazine, published 5 March 2024, by James Riding

I read with great interest the Inside Housing interview (5 March 2024) with Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities of the United Kingdom by James Riding.

In the frank piece, Gove sets out his course for social housing amidst a world of affordable housing offers that include a growing ‘for profit’ sector. As he mentions, we need more homes that people can afford – yes, definitely – but, as Gove says, it is not just about numbers –  it must also be about scale and community connection. How much better would it be if we can build affordable housing in the communities where the residents already have connections, reducing isolation and loneliness?

Michael Gove states that “By expanding the number of homes for social rent, you can reduce the housing benefit bill overall, and you can give people a sense of stability and community” 

We could not agree more with the sentiment of his message. More affordable – proper affordable – homes (not at 80% of market rents but at a level that does not create hardship for residents) are, without any doubt, desperately needed. And one of the ways this could be achieved is to help release the shackles placed upon the charity affordable homes sector (which includes almshouses).  Unlike large housing associations, these small-scale local housing models, that date back centuries and centuries, are providing people with affordable homes and enabling them to stay in their local communities.

Recent evidence shows that living in almshouse communities not only adds quality of life for residents, it’s also adding years to their lives while reducing costs for the healthcare sector.

Almshouses can be part of the solution to providing more affordable, community led housing that have amongst the lowest charges (they charge a weekly maintenance contribution, not rent) in the sector and consistently offer homes within strong micro-communities. Government would only need to formerly recognise the almshouse model as ‘affordable housing’ under the Governments planning policy and grant local councils permission to offer small plots of land for new almshouses to be built.

In today’s world of increased isolation, loneliness, lack of community and very limited affordable housing, the time to celebrate and support this valuable asset is now.

When Michael Gove says, “We absolutely need more homes for social rent,” …. almshouses can be part of the solution – they are  established, proven, and are one of our historic success stories. Recognising almshouses in the National Planning Policy Framework will free up local councils to support almshouses under Section 106 which will follow with more almshouses being built in the community, benefiting more people in housing need for generations to come.  

The next generation of almshouses may not be just for older people in need but for others who would benefit from warm, safe secure homes in strong communities. Indeed they now include young families, young single people, young people leaving care or refugees and the homeless.

I very much welcome the opportunity to speak to Michael Gove and to take him on a tour of some of the thriving almshouse charities in his area – it won’t disappoint!

11 March 2024

Attention: Registered Housing Providers

  • Awaab’s Law timescales for repairs consultation closes – 5 March – click here
  • Competence & Conduct Standard for SHP consultation closes – 2 April – click here

Association CEO, Nick Phillips met several of our Registered Housing Provider members to discuss our responses to these policies, which only affect Members who are Registered. There are certain principles that almost go without saying – but it is important when responding to these policies:

  • Almshouses are places where residents are safe and feel safe.
  • Almshouses residents are appointed by trustees.
  • Almshouse charities adhere to their Governing Documents and under the responsibility of trustees.

Awaab’s Law creates specific timescales for consultation and response to requests for repairs and communicating with tenants (residents) over progress of repairs. There is significant detail within the consultation proposals with crucial questions, most of which the group agreed with. The main area of concern is that under the proposals, trustees would need to start work on damp or mould within 7 days.

Given many member charities manage historic buildings, this may be unreasonable. There is a further requirement for trustees that are responsible for sending written reports, do so within 24 hours of investigation of a serious hazard. Where trustees do not have staff or there is a part-time clerk, where an issue arises, for example, on a Friday, it may just not be possible to meet these timescales. There is a phrase that is posed at the end of the proposal – such that “Should a defence of “all reasonable steps” be allowed in terms of exceeding timescales – The group thought – YES proportionate to size.

As such we would recommend our Registered Members respond to this consultation, with particular reference to the following, in relation to “Do you agree with these timescales”, as at present there is no differentiation between the working week and the weekend i.e. “working days”. These are a summary of the key questions but the detail is held in the consultation document and is worth reading.

  • Q.1,2,3 – (Members may wish to consider differentiating between Damp, Mould and Condensation and the other HHSRS hazards both in terms of severity and timescales).
  • Q.4 – Must investigate a potential hazard within 14 calendar days of notification by Tenant for all HHSRS Hazards not just Damp and Mould.
  • Q.9 – Must write to Tenants within 14 calendar days of notification of serious Hazard with written summary within 48 hours of identification.
  • Q.11 – Must begin work within 7 calendar days of report concluding.
  • Q.18 – Emergency Repairs must begin within 24 hours.
  • Q.20 – Landlord to provide alternative accommodation if timescales cannot be met.
  • Q.22– Should a defence of “all reasonable steps” be allowed in terms of exceeding timescales – (YES proportionate to size).
  • Q.24 – “Small net cost” implications of timescales. – (NO – emergency repairs at short notice cost more, especially if at weekends. Timescales do not differentiate working week to weekends or size of organization).
  • Other organisations such as the National Housing Federation and the Chartered Institute of Housing are also responding to Awaab’s Law consultation on timescales with similar concerns.

The ‘Competence and Conduct’ Qualification consultation, which is a concern to all small organisations. All housing providers that are Registered Providers (RSL) will need to have their (responsible) staff gain a grade 4 or 5 qualification that will take on average 300-360 hours work to achieve. These roles will encompass Senior Housing Executives (Strategic) and Senior Housing Managers) Management Operational) and/or include Service Providers such as agents.

Firstly the group was relieved to see that the policy has recognised that almshouses are run by volunteers and the consultation recommends that trustees of almshouse charities are exempt under Proposal 7. Yet the burden remains for clerks or whoever is acting as the responsible person in dealing with buildings and residents (in-house) or Managing Agents as “Service Providers”.

The case was made that a small charity may have a part-time clerk dealing with the residents and an external expert dealing with the buildings. As the policy is drafted and the consultation phrased, both parties would need to obtain a qualification. There is a small acknowledgement of the additional pressures for smaller charities (under 50 units), so they have 4 years for staff or consultants to become qualified or to have started the course.

Nick Phillips is meeting DLUC this week to raise these concerns before responding to the consultation. More consultations are in the progress and an update will follow via email or on our website. Do contact us with any specific concerns.

posted 1 March 2024

Housing Policy & Consultations

News update on recent Government announcements on Housing Policy and Consultations.

Note, the policies and consultations referenced below are general housing rather than anything with specific almshouse angles, so they are being posted on our website for members’ general awareness.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – New housing developments to deliver nature boost in landmark move. 

In a world first, developers in England are now required to deliver 10% Biodiversity Net Gain when building new housing, industrial or commercial developments. These rules apply to all major development planning applications from 12 February 2024. Small developments (under 10 dwellings) are exempt until 2 April 2024. 

There are a small number of exemptions, including “de minimus” if both (i) the development does not impact on any onsite priority habitat and (ii) if there is an impact to another onsite habitat, that impact must be on less than 25 square metres (e.g. less than 5m x 5m square) of onsite habitat with a biodiversity value greater than zero and on less than 5 metres of onsite linear habitat (such as a hedgerow). 

Biodiversity 10% gain is calculated against the pre-development biodiversity value of the land, which is based on metric data value inputs including habitat type, size, distinctiveness, condition and its location in the local area. These can be achieved on-site or off-site or as a last resort through statutory biodiversity credits. 

Significant on-site and all off-site gains will need a legal agreement with a responsible body or local authority to monitor the habitat improvements over the 30 year period.  

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/biodiversity-net-gain

Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme 

The Government has announced a £3 billion increase in a government-backed loan fund, with which it expects 20,000 new affordable homes will be built across England. The expansion of the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme, which provides low-cost loans to housing providers, will support thousands of new homes. For the first time, the scheme can also be used to upgrade existing properties, making them warm and decent for tenants. Providers will be able to apply for loans to carry out vital building safety works, such as the removal of dangerous cladding. 

Backed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the now £6 billion fund will help housing providers access low-cost loans so they can expand their business, build more affordable homes and upgrade their existing stock.   Schemes involving conversion from commercial to residential use will be eligible.  Eligibility criteria applies, including the need to be a Private Registered Provider as defined in Section 80(3) of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 i.e. Registered Providers of Social Housing. 

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/housing-guarantee-scheme-rules-affordable-homes-guarantee-scheme-2020/affordable-homes-guarantee-scheme-2020

Prioritise building on Brownfield Land  

The Government has instructed Councils in England to prioritise building on brownfield land as a priority, with planning authorities in England’s largest 20 cities and towns to be made to follow a “brownfield presumption” if housebuilding drops below expected levels.   

For Greater London, this will also include a review on the threshold for referral of a planning application of potential strategic importance to the Mayor of London, which is currently set at 150 dwellings. National Planning Policy will also be changed to give significant weight to the benefits of delivering as many homes as possible and taking a flexible approach in applying planning policies or guidance relating to the internal layout of development.  The Brownfield Developments consultation will run until 24 March 2024. 

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-planning-policy-for-brownfield-development

Proposed changes to permitted development rights (PDR)

The Government is running a consultation on changes to permitted development rights in England that allow for householder developments, building upwards to create new homes including on blocks of flats, the demolition of certain buildings and rebuild as homes, electric vehicle charge points and air source heat pumps. The PDR consultation will run until 9 April 2024. 

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-various-permitted-development-rights-consultation

posted 15 February 2024

Charity Commission new Chief Executive

PRESS RELEASE: Charity Commission announces next Chief Executive with effect from 1 July 2024. 

David Holdsworth has been appointed the next Chief Executive of the Charity Commission for England & Wales, replacing on 1 July 2024 Helen Stephenson who has been in charge for 7 years. 

David has been CEO of the Animal and Plant Health Agency since 2022.  His other previous experience includes Deputy Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office and Deputy Chief Executive and Registrar of Charities at the Charity Commission.  

He also oversaw the regulator’s response to the Grenfell Tower fire, was instrumental in setting up the National Emergencies Trust, worked at the Home Office and has spent 5 years in senior executive positions in the private sector. 

David said: “I am delighted to be returning to the Charity Commission and its vital work at such a crucial time. It will be a privilege to once again work with the Commission’s dedicated and talented experts.   

Charities have always played a vital role in our national life, our communities and our ability to move forward together as a society. Never has this been more needed than now. I look forward to working with the sector as they work today to achieve a better, brighter tomorrow for us all.” 

Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/charity-commission-announces-next-chief-executive for full press release.

posted 14 February 2024