P&G update: 4.7.23

– Affordable Housing Definition

Today Baroness Hayman of Ullock has requested a review of the definition of ‘affordable housing’ under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Web link: Unnumbered amendment to Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill – Parliamentary Bills – UK Parliament

The Almshouse Association will be writing to contacts in The House of Lords seeking their support for the review.

Thank you to all members who have written to their MPs in support of the proposal. We are still not guaranteed a review and even further from a definition that includes almshouses under the framework ….. but we are moving in the right direction.

See also: Members: Call to Alms! | (almshouses.org)

posted 4 July 2023

The Almshouse Association Members Day 2023

A Celebration of Community, Compassion, Companionship, and Care

On 15th July 2023, The Almshouse Association hosted Members Day 2023 at the prestigious One Great George Street in Westminster, London. The day was dedicated to embracing the values of community, compassion and companionship, which lie at the heart of the almshouse movement, and, on the day, a fourth ‘c’ was added to the theme by the special guest speakers – care.

The event brought together esteemed individuals who shed light on the caring nature of almshouses and emphasized the significance of human interaction. The day was filled with inspiring speeches, informative sessions, and networking opportunities, making it an extraordinary experience for all attendees.

Welcoming the Chairman and Honouring the Award Winners

One of the highlights of the event was the introduction of the new Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell. His appointment marked a fresh chapter for The Almshouse Association, symbolizing its commitment to the future of the organization. His inspiring words resonated with the delegated, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation for the Association’s journey ahead.

New Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell

Another significant moment was the recognition and celebration of The Almshouse Association Award winners. These remarkable individuals and projects were honoured for their impressive developments, beautiful garden projects, dedication, and hard work. Chair of the Awards Committee, Simon Pott and new Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell presented the winners with Gardens and People and Inspiration Homes certificates and award winner pin badges, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the almshouse movement.

Liz Fathi steps down as Chair and receives the honour of officially becoming the Association’s first ever ‘Friend of The Association’.

The TAA ‘Friends of’ programme will be officially launched this September giving members and associates the opportunity to join a special group of people helping to preserve the historic value of the almshouse movement and securing its future.

Our Friends of Programme will offer a distinctive array of activities and projects for friends of active involvement, all the while supporting the almshouse movement.

Poland Trust, Inspirational Homes Award
Wyggestons and Trinity Hospital Charities, Inspirational Homes Award
Great Shelford Parochial Charities, Inspirational Homes Award
Barnstaple Almshouses, Gardens and People Award
Frances Darlington Charity, Gardens and People Award
Zeals Almshouses, Gardens and People Award
Peter Birtwistle Trust, Inspirational Homes Award
Tibberton Almshouses, Inspirational Homes Award
The Honywood and Douglas Charity, Inspiration Homes Award

Guest Speakers Emphasising Care

Our distinguished guest speakers from various fields shared their valuable insights, all converging on the importance of care within the almshouse community.

Paul Latham of the Charity Commission shed light on the regulatory aspects, emphasizing the significance of caring practices within charitable organizations. Research Fellow Dr Helen Pooley provided an academic perspective, underlining the positive impact caring architecture has on the well-being of residents. Sir Stephen Bubb JP FRSA, a renowned charity titan, shared his experiences and praised the uniqueness of almshouses and the caring nature that defines all charities.

Paul Latham, Charity Commission
Dr Alison Pooley
Sir Stephen Bubb JP FRSA

Our headline speaker, Author and Humanitarian, Terry Waite CBE captivated the audience with his personal anecdotes and insights into his time in captivity, illustrating the transformative power of care in fostering compassion and resilience.

The Q&A that followed his talk could have gone on for hours; so many questions, so humble his manner, and such a huge inspiration to us all.

Terry Waite CBE delights the delegates

A Day Filled with Inspiration and Engagement

Panel of Experts answers delegate questions

Members Day 2023 was brimming with engaging sessions, including Q&A opportunities with experts in their fields, allowing attendees to delve deeper into specific topics. The event encouraged active participation and facilitated networking among the members, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the almshouse community

A special thanks

The Almshouse Association extended their gratitude to the sponsors and exhibitors who supported the event, recognizing their invaluable contribution to its success. Thanks also to Richard Gray for the photography

Additionally, the Association expressed their appreciation for everyone who dedicated their time and effort to making the day truly exceptional.

The Almshouse Association Members Day 2023 was an unforgettable celebration of compassion, community, companionship, and care. With an illustrious line-up of guest speakers, the introduction of the new Chairman, and the recognition of outstanding achievements, the event exemplified the core values that define the almshouse movement. Through inspirational speeches, engaging sessions, and ample opportunities for networking, attendees were left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the vital role they play within their communities. The event served as a testament to the enduring commitment of The Almshouse Association and its members to creating a better world and seeing almshouses recognised as the exemplar form of community housing.

posted 28 June 2023

Members: Call to Alms!

Almshouses: National Planning Policy Framework – almshouses in the definition of affordable housing in the National Planning Policy Framework

Dear Members

I hope all is well with you and the teams.

As you will have seen from our regular updates, we’ve been working hard with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Almshouses and supportive MPs to see almshouses recognised as “affordable housing” under the definition set in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

You may wonder why this is important, but, having dealt with so many issues over the years where local and national government have excluded almshouses or, even charged almshouses a levy towards the affordable housing fund (Section 106) because of the guidance under the current NPPF, it is clear that almshouse charities are not being recognised under the NPPF definition of “affordable housing”. Our members are disadvantaged as a result and are often being affected negatively under planning legislation.

For years, we have been asking for a review and we have, at last, been told that there will be a parliamentary review and consultation. The Almshouse Association has written to The Secretary of State and senior civil servants who have been working with us for years on this matter as well as to others who may have influence yet we have not secured the review in our favour.

I appreciate how busy you all are and I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it was so important for our members, but this is possibly a once in a decade or twenty- year opportunity to put right the national guidance and allow almshouses to have the recognition they deserve. Would you consider sending a letter or email to your local MP asking them to support this case?

If you would consider sending a letter or an email, I enclose a rough draft to help save you some time – you are welcome to use this and just add your charity’s details or, having read the letter, draft your own version in support of the proposal. If we are successful it will make a huge difference to the opportunities open to almshouse charities in the future.
• Click here for letter template
• Click here for tips on writing to MPs

MPs must submit their comments by 30th June 2023 so if you do have the time to participate, we would be incredibly grateful and strongly recommend getting your letter off to your MP before the end of this week – 23rd June 2023.

Thank you.

Nick Phillips | CEO The Almshouse Association

21 June 2023

Charities Act 2022

Find out about changes being introduced by the Charities Act 2022 

The Charities Act 2022 is introducing a number of practical changes aimed at making life easier for trustees, and the latest set of provisions came into effect on 14 June 2023.

As trustees of almshouse charities, you may be particularly interested in the changes being introduced to selling or leasing charity property and how you can use the charity’s permanent endowment. 

By reviewing your governing documents you will be able to determine if your charity is holding land or funds as permanent endowment.

Selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of charity land 

The new provisions simplify some of the legal requirements that apply to the disposal of charity land.

  • widening the category of designated advisers who can provide charities with advice on certain disposals 
  • confirming that a trustee, officer or employee can provide advice on a disposal if they meet certain requirements 
  • giving trustees discretion to decide how to advertise a proposed disposal of charity land 
  • removing the requirement for charities to get Charity Commission authority to grant a residential lease to a charity employee for a short periodic or fixed term tenancy 

The following provisions are expected to come into force by the end of 2023:

  • the provisions relating to disposals by liquidators, provisional liquidators, receivers, mortgagees or administrators
  • the 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

You can  find full details of these new provisions in updated guidance on the Charity Commission website  

Using your charity’s permanent endowment 

Put simply, permanent endowment is money or property that your charity must keep rather than spend. 

The Charities Act 2022 has introduced new powers that enable: 

  • trustees to spend, in certain circumstances, from a ‘smaller value’ permanent endowment fund of £25,000 or less without Charity Commission authority 
  • certain charities to borrow up to 25% of the value of their permanent endowment fund without Charity Commission authority 

If you can’t make use of the new statutory powers you will need to ask the Charity Commission for authority. 

If your charity has opted into a total return approach to investment, you are able to use permanent endowment to make social investments with a negative or uncertain financial return, provided any losses are offset by other gains. 

It is important to think about the long term (next 50 years or so) as well as the short term when considering the disposal of assets and consider all options. All decisions about the sale of permanent endowment should be discussed and recorded.

You can find full details of all these provisions in the Charity Commission’s updated guidance on the Charity Commission website  

There are a number of other changes which have been, or which will be, introduced. You can find details of all the changes on the Charity Commission website 

posted 20 June 2023

Historic Almshouses: A Guide to Managing Change

The Almshouse Association and a team of almshouse architects have been working with Historic England over the last few years to see an almshouse guide for trustees and Historic Buildings Officers produced.

We are pleased to be able to inform our membership that they have now issued the draft Advice Note for managing change to historic almshouses and are looking forward to receiving your feedback.

Extract below from Historic England website:


Your chance to have a say on advice and guidance documents we’ve published in draft. Your feedback will help us make our advice and guidance useful.

Historic Almshouses: A Guide to Managing Change

This publication gives advice on managing change to historic almshouses. As a building type often of considerable age with a distinctive form generated by their use for housing elderly people, almshouses often have considerable historic and architectural significance. However, their use has subtly changed over time, the kind of residents changing and residents needing better, more contemporary, facilities. It is also essential that residents remain independent in their homes within almshouses for as long as possible.

This advice note suggests how historic and architectural significance can be retained while supplying more comfortable and appropriate housing.

Comments are welcomed on this draft advice note.

Guidance Team

posted 5 June 2023

P&G update: 25.5.23

Charites Act 2022 – The Charity Commission has published short summaries of the changes due to come into effect in June 2023. The government website advises that updated guidance on these topics will be published on the day the provisions are implemented.

Changes due to be introduced in June 2023

1. Selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of charity land

Charities must comply with certain legal requirements before they dispose of charity land. Disposal can include selling, transferring or leasing charity land. The Act will simplify some of these legal requirements. The changes will include:

  • widening the category of designated advisers who can provide charities with advice on certain disposals
  • confirming that a trustee, officer or employee can provide advice on a disposal if they meet the relevant requirements
  • giving trustees discretion to decide how to advertise a proposed disposal of charity land
  • removing the requirement for charities to get Commission authority to grant a residential lease to a charity employee for a short periodic or fixed term tenancy

The following provisions are expected to come into force by the end of 2023, not in June 2023:

  • the provisions relating to disposals by liquidators, provisional liquidators, receivers, mortgagees or administrators
  • the 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

2. Using permanent endowment

Put simply, permanent endowment is property that your charity must keep rather than spend.

The Act will introduce new statutory powers to enable:

  • charities to spend, in certain circumstances, from a ‘smaller value’ permanent endowment fund of £25,000 or less without Commission authority
  • certain charities to borrow up to 25% of the value of their permanent endowment fund without Commission authority

Charities that cannot use the statutory powers will require Charity Commission authority.

A new statutory power will enable charities that have opted into a total return approach to investment to use permanent endowment to make social investments with a negative or uncertain financial return, provided any losses are offset by other gains.

3. Charity names

The Commission can currently direct a charity to change its name if it is too similar to another charity’s name or is offensive or misleading. The Act will enable the Commission to:

  • direct a charity to stop using a working name if it is too similar to another charity’s name or is offensive or misleading. A working name is any name used to identify a charity and under which the activities of the charity are carried out. For example, ‘Comic Relief’ is the working name of the charity ‘Charity Projects’
  • delay registration of a charity with an unsuitable name or delay entry of a new unsuitable name onto the Register of Charities
  • use its powers in relation to exempt charities in consultation with the principal regulator

4. Other provisions

The definition of a connected person will be updated to remove outdated language.

Changes that came into force on 31 October 2022

  1. Paying trustees for providing services or goods to the charity
  2. Fundraising appeals that do not raise enough or raise too much.
  3. Power to amend Royal Charters

In addition, the following changes are now in effect:

  • the Charity Tribunal has the power to make “authorised costs orders” following an application by a charity. Read our guidance about decision reviews and the Charity Tribunal
  • the Commission’s scheme-making powers include making schemes for charitable companies
  • trust corporation status is automatically conferred on existing and future corporate charities in respect of any charitable trust of which the corporation is (or, in the future, becomes) a trustee
  • updated provisions relating to giving public notice to written consents and orders of the Charity Commission under various sections of the Charities Act 2011
  • when a charity amends its governing document by parliamentary scheme under section 73 of the Charities Act 2011, the scheme will by default always be under a lighter touch parliamentary process (known as the negative parliamentary procedure)

posted 25 May 2023

Almshouses in the national news!

Today in the Guardian, journalist Amelia Hill explores almshouses and the impact they are having on their residents.

‘Affordable and stress free’: how almshouses are the unsung heroes of UK social housing

She writes:

Every morning after he gets up, Gary Hiercock presses a green button outside his bedroom. That’s how the warden of his Leicester almshouse knows he’s up and about – that he hasn’t had a fall or become ill overnight.

“It’s just one example of how everything is thought of here: nothing is left to chance: everyone is safe at every moment of the day,” said the 71-year-old former department store manager. “I have absolutely no worries at all here. I’m completely content.”

Hiercock has lived in the Wyggestons Almshouses in Leicester for just over a year, since his partner of 53 years had to go into a care home with advanced Alzheimer’s.

“I start every day feeling happy and grateful to be here,” he said. “I was very isolated where I lived before but here, everyone is so friendly. If I’m ever feeling a bit lonely, I just need to go for a stroll and I’ll come across someone to do something with.”

To read the article in full, please click on the link here:

See also:

[Top photo: Kim and Terry Baxter at the second viewing of their new almshouse flat in Southwark, London. Photograph: Sean Smith/The Guardian]

posted 22 May 2023

Study finds living in an almshouse can boost life expectancy

Living in an almshouse can boost the longevity of its residents by as much as two-and-a-half years compared to their counterparts in the general population, according to a new Bayes Business School report.

Almshouses provide affordable community housing for local people in housing need. They are generally designed around a courtyard to provide a ‘community spirit’, that is synonymous with the almshouse movement. They offer independent living but provide friendship and support when needed.

Analysing up to 100 years’ worth of residents’ records from various almshouses in England, the research suggests that living in these communities can reduce the negative impact on health and social wellbeing which is commonly experienced by the older population in lower socioeconomic groups, particularly those individuals who are living in isolation.

The results are very encouraging. They show that, for several of the almshouses included in the study, residents can expect to live as long as wealthier members of the general population despite coming from the most deprived quintile. This shows that the disparity in longevity and health outcomes could be mitigated even after reaching retirement age, provided a suitable social infrastructure can be put in place.
The report, authored by Professor Ben Rickayzen, Dr David Smith, Dr Anastasia Vikhanova and Alison Benzimra, concludes that almshouses could help the Government’s aims to reduce inequalities in mortality, which are observed between socioeconomic groups, by reducing the social isolation experienced by many in the older population.

“We are delighted to read this report. It is further evidence that the almshouse model – 1,000 years after its inception – seems to be adding something special to the lives of residents. There is a growing body of research that is suggesting this model of community housing seems to be right for the future. This must now beg the question, where are the philanthropists to lead this robust charity housing model into the next century?”
Nick Phillips, CEO, The Almshouse Association

“It is well known that, on average, the lower a person’s socioeconomic status, the lower their life expectancy. However, intriguingly, our research has found that this doesn’t have to be the case. We discovered that many almshouse residents receive a longevity boost when compared to their peers of the same socioeconomic status from the wider population. More research is needed to ascertain exactly what factors cause almshouse residents to have a longer life; however, we postulate that it is the sense of the community that is the most powerful ingredient. For example, a common theme within the almshouses included in the study is that they encourage residents to undertake social activities and responsibilities on behalf of their fellow residents. This is likely to increase their sense of belonging and give them a greater sense of purpose in their everyday lives while mitigating against social isolation.

We would encourage the Government to invest in retirement communities, such as almshouses, which would be in keeping with their overarching levelling up agenda. While this agenda is commonly associated with enhancing equality on a regional basis, it is important that levelling up should also aim to combat health inequalities experienced by people from lower socioeconomic groups across the country. There is an opportunity to improve the Government’s levelling up agenda by incorporating the best features of communal living into their social housing policy. This should make a significant difference to the quality of life experienced by the older population across the UK.

The findings from this research are important as they could offer solutions to the social care problems currently being experienced in the UK.” Professor Ben Rickayzen, Professor of Actuarial Science at Bayes Business School

‘Almshouse Longevity Study – Can living in an almshouse lead to a longer life?’, the report’s key findings are:

  • Residents in almshouses in England receive a longevity boost relative to people of the same socioeconomic group from the wider population.
  • The best-performing almshouses in the study so far have shown a longevity boost which increases life expectancy to that of a life in the second-highest socioeconomic quintile – a remarkable outcome.
  • As an example, the authors estimate that a 73-year-old male entering an almshouse such as The Charterhouse today would receive a longevity boost of 2.4 years (an extra 15% of future lifetime at the point of joining) compared to his peers from the same socioeconomic group, and 0.7 years when compared to an average 73-year-old from the general population.
  • This longevity boost could be due to both the strong sense of community and social belonging within almshouses which lead to better physical and mental health. Enhanced wellbeing helps to mitigate loneliness which is endemic in older age groups.

“Many almshouse trustees and staff members anecdotally believe that almshouse living is beneficial for residents. The results from this study demonstrate that the community spirit provided by almshouses does in fact result in longer life expectancy. These findings are encouraging to those living and working in the almshouse community and provide the motivation to continue to explore what it is about almshouses’ physical design and support services that result in positive outcomes for older residents. This study strengthens the case that this historic form of housing is addressing the evolving needs of older people living in our modern-day society.”
Alison Benzimra, a co-author of the report and Head of Research at United St Saviour’s Charity

.

“It’s been great to support this piece of work and to see it take its place in the wider body of work about the characteristics of age-friendly living spaces and supportive communities. A one-hundred-year life is now a realistic expectation and we need to build on this learning to create the homes and communities that will be so important for the health and wellbeing of us all.”
Susan Kay, Chief Executive of Dunhill Medical Trust

“Moving to Hopton’s Gardens has been a godsend. To have a roof over my head has helped me to deal with my addiction issues, and having the support from the staff and my neighbours has made my recovery possible.”
Nigel Hulme, a resident of the United St Saviour’s Charity almshouse, explained how much living in the almshouse has helped him in his later years:

Bayes Business School (formerly Cass)

Bayes Business School is a leading global business school driven by world-class knowledge, innovative education, and a vibrant, diverse community. The School has been at the forefront of business education for more than 50 years, developing leaders who help businesses thrive through change and uncertainty.   

Located in the heart of one of the world’s top financial centres, the School has strong links to both the City of London and the thriving entrepreneurial hub of Tech City. 

www.bayes.city.ac.uk

The Almshouse Association

Almshouses are a charitable form of self-sufficient, low-cost community housing that is held in trust for local people in housing need. They are managed and run by almshouse charities made up of local volunteers and have been in existence for over 1,000 years.

Today, over 36,000 people are living full and independent lives in almshouses, finding friendships, well-being, safety and security inside their walls and within their communities. Through representation, fundraising, donations and legacies, The Almshouse Association is working hard with local authorities and the Government to make it possible for many more to be built as well as securing the heritage of these historic buildings.

www.almshouses.org

See also:

Press release: 22 May 2023

Renter’s (Reform) Bill – are almshouse charities impacted?

The purpose of The Renters’ (Reform) Bill* that was introduced to Parliament this week, sets out the government’s plans to fundamentally reform the private rented sector, including abolishing section 21 “no fault evictions”.

While of course the devil is always in the detail, on this 1st reading, the Bill is specifically directed at landlords in the private rented sector and is not relevant to almshouses which, of course, operate under charity law.

We will, however, continue to monitor Government Bills such as this whilst maintaining good communication with MPs and Civil Servants and we will, of course, keep you advised of changes that may impact your almshouses.

*Long title “A Bill to make provision changing the law about rented homes, including provision abolishing fixed term assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies; imposing obligations on landlords and others in relation to rented homes and temporary and supported accommodation; and for connected purposes.”

Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

posted 18 May 2023

King Charles III Coronation Tea Parties!

We have some wonderful photos coming in from our members of their Coronation celebrations!

Above and below, residents, trustees, family and guests were joined by the Mayor of Newbury, Councillor Gary Norman as well as the Garston Gallopers Morris Dancers at Donnington Hospital Trust’s Coronation Tea.

At Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouse Charity, the Coronation was celebrated with a lunch for residents.

This fabulous photo shows trustees Anna Daniell and Wendy Allen serving homemade cream scones to resident, Mrs Edith Lee – aged 102! 

Everyone dressed up for the special occasion!

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At Thomas Watson Cottage Homes in Barnet, Hertfordshire they marked the occasion with a Coronation tea and the planting of two trees by Mrs. Jenny Harrold, Chairman of Trustees, and Mrs Yvonne Kelly, one of the almshouse’s longest-serving residents.

And residents and staff of Wyggestons and Trinity Almshouses Charity celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III with a day of events at Lancaster House, Leicester.

The charity provided a hog roast to over 100 residents of the almshouses and care home along with specially commissioned cupcakes and refreshments.

Despite the poor weather the residents enjoyed the music from a local jazz band and watched the Coronation in the new Lancaster House facilities including in the impressive Duchy Lounge, named to honour the Charity’s unique relationship with the Crown through the Duchy of Lancaster.

We look forward to receiving more of your stories and photos !