Latest News | The Almshouse Association

MY Trust: Young people’s almshouses

For more than 150 years, Sir Josiah Mason’s Almshouse Charity, now part of MY Trust (Mason Yardley Trust) has played a defining role in supporting vulnerable people across the West Midlands. Founded formally in 1868 by industrialist and philanthropist Sir Josiah Mason, the charity was established on a simple but powerful belief: that safe homes, education and opportunity can transform lives.

While the Trust is widely recognised today for its almshousing and care for older people, support for children and young people has always been central to its purpose. In the 1850s, Sir Josiah Mason built his first almshouses to provide homes for more than twenty widows and unmarried women, alongside accommodation for over thirty orphaned girls. The scale of local need soon became unmistakable. Demand for places for children and young people far outstripped provision, prompting Sir Josiah to undertake a far more ambitious project.

This led to the creation of what became Birmingham’s largest orphanage, opening in 1868 and forming the foundation of the Trust itself. The orphanage was preceded by the establishment of a school for the local community, providing free, non-denominational education at a time when access to learning was limited for children from poorer backgrounds. When it opened, the orphanage accommodated around 300 children, later expanding to provide homes and education for up to 500 boys and girls.

In recent years, the pressures facing care-experienced young people have grown exponentially. Rising housing costs, limited access to stable accommodation and the absence of family safety nets mean many young adults face the risk of homelessness at a critical point in their lives. It was this reality, combined with the enduring legacy of Sir Josiah Mason, that led the Trust to refocus on support for young people.

In 2023, the Trust launched Shine, a community based project supporting care experienced young people and those on the edge of care. Shine has already had a significant impact, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and navigate adult life with greater stability. However, community support alone cannot fully address the structural challenge of housing insecurity. It was this understanding that led the Trust to develop Meeson Apartments.

Completed in March 2026, these new almshouses represent a significant milestone for the Trust. They are the Trust’s first standalone new build development in 25 years, and its first purpose built almshouses for young people in more than 170 years. Located in Solihull, the scheme comprises four highquality apartments, designed specifically for care experienced young people, offering a careful balance of independence, security and access to support.

Each apartment is EPC rated A, featuring air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. The homes are fully self contained and include a private patio or balcony, a spacious double bedroom, a lounge with access to a dedicated kitchen, and a modern wet room. . The scheme was constructed by Harper Group Ltd and completed in under a year, following careful planning and consultation. Every aspect of the design reflects a deep understanding of the needs of young people transitioning into independent living.

Residents will live independently while also benefiting from wrap-around support delivered by the Trust’s Shine team in close collaboration with their housing services. This integrated approach ensures that the apartments provide more than shelter: they offer a stable foundation for education, employment, personal growth and resilience. Being based on the edge of one of the Trust’s largest sites also means that there will be plenty of opportunities for intergenerational activities. This includes a new project called Grandfriends, where young people will be matched with older residents for mutual friendship and support.

The project has been funded through a combination of Homes England funding (accessed via The Almshouse Consortium Ltd), charity reserves, and fundraising support from a range of charitable trusts. It reflects the trustees’ long-term commitment to reinvesting in communities and responding proactively to emerging social need. The apartments are named in honour of Ken Meeson, a long-serving trustee and former Mayor of Solihull, recognising his dedication to public service and lasting local impact.

Although the first residents are only just preparing to move in, the significance of Meeson Apartments is already clear. For the young people it will house, the project offers far more than accommodation, it provides stability, dignity and the opportunity to shape a future on their own terms. For the Trust, it represents a confident step forward, combining historic values with modern, sustainable housing solutions.

As the Trust prepares for the official opening later this year, the scheme stands as a tangible example of how long established charities can innovate while remaining true to their roots.

Meeson Apartments is part of several new initiatives as MY Trust continues to evolve. honouring its past while building brighter futures for the next generation.

posted 21 May 2026

Policy & Governance update: May 26

MAY 2026 UPDATE: A summary of the latest UK Government policy changes and news.

1. Charity Commission Update

The Charity Commission has updated its guidance on:

The Charity Commission advises that the updated guidance on identifying and managing conflicts of interest in a charity is more accessible and easier to use. The approach to managing conflicts is broadly the same although the 3 steps for managing conflicts (identify, prevent, record) in the previous guidance have been updated and expanded to 5 (identify, declare, consider removing, manage, record).

The Charity Commission’s guidance on social media now emphasises that social media is a governance issue, not simply a communications issue. Trustees should therefore ensure that:

the charity has appropriate oversight of social media activity
risks relating to reputation, safeguarding, misinformation, confidentiality and cyber security are managed
staff, volunteers and trustees understand expected standards of conduct online
social media activity aligns with the charity’s purposes and best interests
decisions relating to controversial or sensitive content are appropriately authorised
complaints, incidents and safeguarding concerns arising online are dealt with appropriately
political neutrality and campaigning rules are understood
trustees regularly review whether social media activity remains proportionate and beneficial to the charity

Trustees should also ensure that social media use reflects the charity’s values and contributes positively to public trust and confidence in charities.

Members may wish to update their policies in accordance with this update. New Almshouse Association template policies coming soon.

2. Financials

The Charities Acts 1992 and 2011 (Substitution of Sums) Order 2026 will increase various financial thresholds for charities from 30 September 2026. As a reminder, the changes include:

Threshold	Increase from 30 September 2026
Payments which don’t trigger the professional fundraiser regime.	Increased in line with inflation to £15 per day or £1,500 per year Currently £10 per day or £1,000 per year
Payments to a collector.	Same as above
Statutory right to a refund from TV or radio fundraising appeals.	Raised to £150 Currently £100
Under s69 Charities Act 2011, the threshold below which the Charity Commission may exercise its scheme-making jurisdiction on application from certain specified parties.	Raised to £1,000 Currently £500
Audit of accounts of larger charities – assets	Raised to £5,000,000
Audit of accounts of larger charities – income	Raised to £1,500,000
Audit requirement for group accounts	Raised to £1,500,000
Account and statement option for lower-income charities.	Raised to £500,000

3. New route for housing complaints ombudsman opens to non-tenants

Following changes introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act, people with concerns about how councils manage social housing will now be able to take complaints to an independent Ombudsman, even if they are not tenants themselves.

Until now, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) could not investigate complaints about housing management from non-tenants, while the Housing Ombudsman only dealt with complaints raised by tenants of social landlords. This left some individuals without a clear route for redress when things went wrong.

From 1 May 2026, changes to the Local Government Act 1974 extended the LGSCO’s role to include considering complaints about local authority social housing management brought by people who are not tenants. The Housing Ombudsman will continue to deal with complaints from tenants about their social landlord, including where that landlord is a local authority.

4. Council Tax changes

Vulnerable people will have more time and support to settle their outstanding council tax bills under reforms to make the system fairer from next year.

Changes will be made to the administration of bills, with households given 63 days (roughly two months) to settle their bill and a requirement for councils to work with them on a sustainable repayment plan.
Billing for council tax will also be shifted to 12-month payments by default, rather than the current 10 months
Costs which councils can charge when seeking a liability order (i.e. how councils recover overdue bills) will be capped to £100.

These reforms are part of a response to a consultation to modernise and improve the administration of council tax that was launched in June 2025, which the Almshouse Association responded to on behalf of its members.

posted 20 May 2026

Association on the road

February 2026: Nick Phillips, Association CEO and Martyn Craddock, CEO of United St Saviours Charity spoke at the National Housing Federation Board Leadership Conference in St Paul’s, London

In a session chaired by Catherine Ryder, CEO of Placeshapers, Appleby Blue resident, Rita described what it was like to live in an almshouse community.

Nick Phillips went on to address the key speaker panel, which included Pat Richie of Homes England, Terrie Alafat of The Riverside Group, Nick Burkitt of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Mark Easton, Broadcaster and Author, asking how they believed they could support the charity housing sector through policy and funding.

Housing, Health and Collaboration

March 2026: Nick Phillips and Gerry Harmon, Association PR and Engagement Manager, attended the Housing LIN conference in Bristol.

The conference brought together housing, health, social care, local government, designers and developers to reframe housing as part of the long‑term health and social infrastructure, particularly for an ageing population.

It highlighted six key takeaways:

Housing is a foundation for health, not just accommodation
Inclusive and adaptable design must be the mainstream standard
Prevention is more effective – and cheaper – than reaction
Residents must be co‑creators, not end‑users
Collaboration across housing, health, care and planning is essential
Technology must support independence – not exclude people

Jeremy Porteus, Housing LIN and Gerry Harmon

Nick Phillips, Gerry Harmon with researchers, Jenny Panell and Alison Pooley

posted 5 May 2026

CEO in Parliament’s THE HOUSE

“Charity housing is hindered by local government policy“
Nick Phillips | Chief Executive of The Almshouse Association | THE HOUSE magazine

Association CEO, Nick Phillips’ article on charity housing featured in Parliament’s THE HOUSE magazine (click here to access) on 4 May 2026.

Nick Phillips comments,

“We often hear: “If it were that easy, it would have been done by now.” But, in this case, it really is that simple.

Charity housing is being held back by well-meaning policy that has had unintended consequences.

It should be exempt from Selective Licensing fees – but isn’t.
It should not be subject to Section 106 levies – but is.
It should be eligible for Rural Exception Sites – but often cannot access them.

These barriers were never the intention, but they are now restricting delivery. The solution does not require new primary legislation. These are changes that can be made.

Until they are, hundreds of affordable homes that could be built simply won’t be. This is a missed opportunity – for communities, for housing, and for society.”

Parliament’s Magazine

Founded in 1976, The House holds a special place in Westminster as Parliament’s magazine. Written by award-winning journalists, policy experts and parliamentarians, and overseen by a cross-party advisory board of MPs and peers, it is closer than any other print publication to the most powerful people in British politics. Readers come for the inside track from Cabinet politicians and backbenchers on the leading policy debates of the day along with analysis from political experts, exclusive invitations to Parliamentary events, limited edition departmental guides, and much more. The magazine is published bi-weekly when Parliament is in session.

posted 5 May 2026

Association advances CHA with key leadership appointment

The Almshouse Association is making strong progress in establishing the Charity Housing Alliance (CHA), a new initiative designed to provide a unified voice for all charity housing organisations, including almshouses.

The Association’s CEO, Nick Phillips, Gerry Harmon, PR and Engagement Manager and Alice Morrey, Policy Manager, were pleased to meet with Sir Stephen Bubb yesterday in the grounds of New College Oxford, part of the ancient and beautiful Oxford city walls. Sir Stephen will be taking on the role of an Ambassador for the CHA.

posted 30 April 2026

Annual Research Symposium

February 2026: Hosted at the Ironmongers’ Hall, this year’s Almshouse Association Research Symposium was more than a gathering; it was a powerful coming together of minds, ideas and shared purpose to advance almshouse and charity housing research.

Experts, academics, funders and almshouse charities travelled from across the UK and Europe, for a day defined by curiosity, collaboration and a shared commitment to improving lives. The room was full, the energy unmistakable, and conversations, on and off stage were rich with possibility.

At its heart was a growing recognition: research matters. It shapes how we design, manage and evolve almshouses for the future. Hearing leading voices in housing, architecture and academia was not only insightful but genuinely inspiring, opening new ways of thinking and fresh opportunities for impact.

Understanding loneliness and designing against it

This year’s theme tackled one of society’s most pressing challenges: loneliness. Discussions revealed how deeply place, design and community influence our sense of connection. From building layouts to shared spaces, from neighbourhood planning to everyday interactions, every detail shapes whether people feel isolated or included.

The message was clear: thoughtful design can transform lives.

The symposium became a vital platform for sharing research, exchanging ideas and building momentum towards solutions that don’t just house people, but help them thrive.

Perspectives across generations and borders

The programme brought together insights from past and present, local and international. Speakers from across Europe highlighted how countries such as the Netherlands and Liechtenstein have long understood the link between environment and wellbeing, offering powerful examples of design that actively combats loneliness.

Closer to home, UK researchers presented compelling evidence on people-centred design, health and wellbeing, and housing experiences, from Suffolk to the private rented sector. Together, these perspectives showed how evidence-led thinking can reshape housing for the better.

Where research meets real life

Beyond theory, the symposium showcased real-world impact. From resident engagement at Morden College, to age-friendly initiatives in Bath, to innovative projects in Bermondsey, each example demonstrated what happens when insight is turned into action.

These are not just ideas, but living communities built on dignity, connection and care.

Turning insight into action

A defining strength of the day was its focus on action. Speakers explored how research can influence policy, improve housing provision and create healthier, more connected communities. Panel discussions challenged assumptions, shared experiences and identified priorities for the future.

Frameworks such as Housing LIN’s HAPPI principles and the TAPPI programme grounded these conversations, reminding us that good design is not a luxury, but a foundation for independence, wellbeing and social connection.

The power of coming together

Above all, the symposium highlighted the importance of connection. By bringing together diverse voices from researchers and practitioners to international partners, it created space for ideas to grow and collaborations to take root. It reinforced something fundamental: tackling loneliness requires more than individual effort. It demands shared vision, cross-disciplinary thinking and collective commitment.

As conversations continue beyond Ironmongers’ Hall, one thing is clear: the momentum is building, and the future of almshouse living will be shaped not only by tradition but by bold, evidence-driven innovation.

“Thoroughly enjoyed yesterday and to see old friends, new friends and make new ones!”
Jeremy Porteus, CEO, Housing LIN

“I just wanted to congratulate you on providing us with such a wonderful day of talks and networking opportunities. In my 32 years of academia, it’s hard to think of a research day which I have found more interesting!”
Professor Ben Rickayzen PhD FIA C.Act, Faculty of Actuarial Science and Insurance, Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), City St George’s, University of London.

_{posted 30 April 2026}

Housing Ombudsman update April 2026

FAO: Registered Providers and those that have registered with the Housing Ombudsman voluntarily to assist with the completion of annual submissions.

Please see below update from the Housing Ombudsman

View as a webpage

Housing Ombudsman Service
Welcome to your monthly update from the Housing Ombudsman, featuring the latest news and insights on complaint handling.

Annual submission form 2026-27 now live

Our annual submission form for 2026-27 is now open and accepting submissions.

Key dates
– landlords with over 1,000 homes must submit the form by 30 September
– landlords with under 1,000 homes must submit the form within 6 months after their financial year-end

What’s changed this year

We heard your feedback that some questions duplicated the self-assessment process, creating unnecessary work. Having now gathered 2 years of data on non-compliance provisions and how these have changed over time, we are able to pick this up directly when we review individual self-assessments, so we’ve removed those questions from the annual form. Thank you for helping us improve the process.

The documents required as part of your submission remain unchanged from previous years.

– Find out more and read annual submissions guidance

New resources

Cyber incident contact	Updated guidance
Supporting your crisis If you experience a cyber attack affecting your systems, please contact our data protection officer. We recommend updating your crisis plans to include this email address as an extra resource to support you navigate this situation. – Contact our data protection officer	Compensation Our new compensation guidance took effect on 1 April 2026. Created with input from landlords and residents, it sets out clear, fair principles to encourage greater consistency across the sector. – Read the compensation guidance

Celebrating good practice

Hazards	Effective Complaint Handling
Bitesize learning Explore our new short videos on Hazards as part of our bitesize learning series. Each video highlights good practice from our casework to help you improve your approach. – Book your place on the learning	Interactive workshop Join us on our 2-hour workshop designed to build confidence and consistency in local complaint handling and includes the opportunity to work through a complaint scenario in groups. – Book your place on the workshop

Get involved

Thank you for joining us

Thank you to all those landlords who attended the landlord forums in March 2026 series. Make sure to join us on Landlord Connect, a new digital community for landlord forum delegates, keep the conversation going and let us know we can improve and develop the forums in the future.

– Join us on Landlord Connect

– Register for a Landlord Connect account

Stay compliant with complaints

Annual Self Assessment	Submissions process
Microlearning Get confident with your annual self-assessment. This module shows you each step so you can complete it clearly and confidently. – Annual self-assessment training	Microlearning Understand and master your annual submissions with ease. This quick course breaks down each step. It helps you stay compliant, meet deadlines, and submit confidently. – Annual submissions training

Pass it on

Let residents know about our online webform

To make things quicker, we are asking residents to use our online complaint form to bring a complaint to us. We will no longer accept new cases by email.

Please ask residents who want to bring a new complaint to us to use our online complaint form. Ensure your complaints procedure information includes our complaint webpage and helpline number: 0300 111 3000.You can still contact us in a range of ways, including via email for existing cases.

– Contact us

Podcast: Casework conversation on noise complaints
In this episode, we discuss a no maladministration case with one of our investigators. The case follows a noise complaint where the resident has hearing difficulties. The landlord took a person-centred approach. It recognised the impact the situation was having on the resident and provided a tailored response. – Listen to the casework conversation on noise complaints

About the Housing Ombudsman Service
We are a free and impartial dispute resolution service. We investigate complaints from residents and leaseholders of member landlords (housing associations and local authorities) and voluntary members (private landlords and letting agents).
Our vision is to improve residents’ lives and landlords’ services through housing complaints.
Residents | Landlords | Contact us
Connect with us on LinkedIn

posted 27 April 2026

CEO update: Supported Housing legislation

Supported Housing legislation

The Almshouse Association welcomes the publication of the Government’s response to the consultation on the implementation of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.

Click below to view the Association CEO’s comment.

The proposed reforms will introduce national supported housing standards, a locally led licensing regime, and changes to Housing Benefit, with the aim of improving quality and addressing poor practice in parts of the sector. We support the Government’s commitment to ensuring that residents receive safe, high-quality accommodation and appropriate support.

We are particularly pleased that the Government has recognised the diversity of the supported housing sector and confirmed an expanded set of exemptions from the licensing regime. This reflects the concerns raised by The Almshouse Association and others during the consultation about the potential impact of a universal licensing approach on small, charitable providers.

In our consultation response, The Almshouse Association made a clear and consistent case that almshouse charities should not be subject to a blanket licensing regime. We highlighted that almshouses are fundamentally different from the parts of the supported housing sector the reforms are intended to address: they are small-scale, locally governed charities, often volunteer-led, providing housing under a charitable model with no commercial incentive.

The Government’s recognition of exemptions is therefore a welcome and proportionate step, helping to ensure that regulation remains targeted at poor-quality or exploitative provision, while avoiding unnecessary burdens on well-run charitable providers.

As the detail of the new regime is developed through secondary legislation, it will be important to ensure that:

the scope of exemptions is clearly defined and workable in practice;
almshouse charities are appropriately captured within these exemptions where intended; and
the overall framework remains proportionate and risk-based.

The Almshouse Association looks forward to continuing to work with Government to ensure that the final regulations both protect residents and sustain the vital contribution of charitable housing providers.

posted 22 April 2026

Property and Development Team

We are delighted to share that two exceptional volunteers have recently joined our property support team.

As listed and older buildings become increasingly costly to manage, yet remain vital to the communities they serve, we are especially fortunate to have the support of two highly experienced property volunteers.

David Wilson MRICS, Chartered Institute of Building (among many other qualifications), brings extensive experience in estate and building management.
Stuart Holland FRICS, Expert Witness, Building Surveyor and Project Manager, adds significant professional expertise in heritage and complex building issues. Stuart is a member of the Association Board and has been a trustee of almshouses in Harrogate for many years.

This is a tremendous boost to the technical strength of our team. If you are facing building-related challenges, particularly those unique to heritage properties, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

To contact David and Stuart, please email Propertyanddevelopment@almshouses.org. Our Member Services team will ensure your enquiry is passed on promptly.

posted 17 December 2025, reposted 20 April 2026

Policy and Governance update: April 2026

April 2026: A summary of the latest UK Government policy changes and news that almshouse charities need to be aware of.

1. Renters’ Rights Act – Implementation update

The Government has published further detail on implementing the Renters’ Rights Act, including its application within the social housing sector, with changes expected from 1 May 2026.

Whilst almshouses are let under licence rather than tenancy and almshouse charities are not, therefore, currently required to comply with the act, the reforms signal a broader policy direction towards strengthening residents’ rights and protections, of which almshouse charities should remain mindful.

KEY FEATURES OF THE ACT

1. End of “No-Fault” Evictions
Abolishes Section 21 evictions (so landlords can’t evict tenants without giving a reason).
Landlords must use specific legal grounds (e.g., selling the property or tenant breach).

4. New Ombudsman for Disputes
Creates a mandatory landlord ombudsman scheme. Tenants can resolve disputes without going to court.

7. Right to Request Pets
Tenants gain the right to request a pet. Landlords must reasonably consider requests (can require pet insurance).

10. Clear Grounds for Possession
Expands and clarifies valid reasons landlords can evict (e.g., moving in themselves, selling).
Designed to balance tenant protection with landlord rights.

2. Stronger Tenancy Security
Moves toward periodic tenancies (no fixed-term lock-ins by default). Tenants can leave with notice, but landlords have less flexibility to evict arbitrarily.

5. Property Standards & “Decent Homes”
Extends the Decent Homes Standard (previously for social housing) to private rentals. Landlords must fix hazards like damp, mould, and unsafe conditions.

8. Landlord Database
Introduces a national register of landlords and properties. Improves transparency and enforcement.

3. Rent Increase Controls
Limits rent increases to once per year. Increases must be in line with market rates and follow a formal process. Tenants can challenge excessive rises.

6. Ban on Blanket Discrimination
Prohibits landlords from refusing tenants simply because they receive benefits or have children.

9. Stronger Enforcement Powers
Local councils get more authority to fine or prosecute non-compliant landlords.
Repeat offenders face tougher penalties.

Members may wish to:

Review the published guidance to understand the wider policy context
Consider how evolving expectations of good practice may apply to almshouse settings
Monitor further clarification on how specific provisions may interact with licence-based occupation

The Association will continue to assess the implications for almshouse charities and provide updates as further details arrive.

2. Voter registration and proxy voting

The Government has published updated guidance on registering to vote and applying for a proxy vote, including specific provisions for individuals who may require support due to disability.

This may be of interest to members in supporting residents to participate in elections, particularly where individuals may face barriers to attending polling stations in person.

Trustees, clerks and scheme managers may wish to:

Ensure residents are aware of how to register to vote and relevant deadlines
Highlight the option of appointing a proxy where appropriate
Provide practical support or signposting for residents who may need assistance with the process

3. Ofgem Heat Network Digital Service

Ofgem is launching a new digital service by 20 April 2026, and is encouraging heat network operators and suppliers to register early.

This development reflects the continued expansion of regulatory oversight in the heat networks sector. For members, this may be relevant where almshouses are connected to, or operate, communal or district heating systems.

Members should consider:

Whether their scheme falls within scope of heat network regulation
The need to register or engage with the new Ofgem digital platform
Ensuring that relevant operational and compliance information is up to date

Early engagement is encouraged to support a smooth transition to the new system.

lmshouses and provide updates as further detail emerges.

4. Companies House and HMRC filing changes

As a reminder, Companies House and HM Revenue and Customs have now closed their joint online filing service as of 31 March 2026. Now, companies are required to file their annual accounts and tax returns separately.

Annual accounts can be filed with Companies House via:

Third-party software
Companies House web services
Paper filing

Members whose almshouse charities are also registered providers should:

Review and update their filing processes
Ensure responsibilities are clearly allocated between trustees, staff, and any external advisors
Confirm that deadlines for both Companies House and HMRC submissions are being met independently

This change represents a shift in administrative requirements and may require adjustments to existing governance and reporting processes.

posted 16 April 2026