2021/2 AWARD WINNERS

Almshouse Association Award winners announced and celebrated at Members Day 2023.

Members Day had a buzz of excitement in the room when the Awards for 2021 and 2022 were announced by our Awards Committee Chair, Simon Pott. Members received warm applause as they took to their feet and collected their well-earned recognition and award certificates.

The Awards are a significant part of not only Members Day but also the almshouse movement. They highlight the dedication and hard work of our members in almshouse development and community spirit, epitomising the excellence that all our members are working towards. All our members are to be commended for their commitment, enthusiasm and devotion to their almshouses and their residents.

The Inspirational Homes Awards 2021/2022 Almshouse Association award winners

Wyggestons and Trinity Almshouses Charity, Leicester
A new three-storey extension providing a community ‘hub’. Eight self-contained one and two-bedroom flats on the first and second floor together with six single-storey dwellings, the provision of additional parking and a new bin store. A truly inspiring development.


Hallaton & Isabella Stenning Trust, Hallaton, Market Harborough
A beautifully built two-bedroom bungalow sits comfortably within its setting in a quiet lane in Hallaton. Trustees used a conscientious and sensitive approach to the design, ensuring no adverse impact on the heritage of adjacent properties and wider village.

Peter Birtwistle Trust, Peter Birtwistle House, Colne, Lancashire
An outstanding new build property of twelve supported one and two-bedroom flats. Local shops and amenities are close by and easily accessible enabling residents to continue to live independently in their local community.

Tibberton Almshouses, Gloucester
Exceptional improvements to four semi-detached almshouses carried out in stages over the past 10 years.


Great Shelford Parochial Charities, Cambridge
A stunning new development of 21 modern almshouses for individuals, couples and families on a green belt exception site. Triple-glazed throughout with air supply heat pumps and heat recovery systems.

The Poland Trust, Brockham, Surrey
A stunning new almshouse development which supports the local younger generation and is partly funded by the sale of five self-build plots that are capped at 80% of market value.

The Honywood & Douglas Charity, Lenham, Kent
A beautiful extension of an existing bungalow forming two one-bedroom homes, with the conversion of an existing historic outbuilding, creating a further one-bedroom property.
Communal gardens and close to important village amenities.

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The Gardens and People 2021/2022 Almshouse Association award winners


Penrose Gardens, Barnstaple Almshouses, Barnstaple, Devon
This award-winning garden design includes areas for vegetables, herbs and flowers, raised beds, allotment plots and sheds, ensuring something for everyone who lives at Penrose.

Frances Darlington Charity, Charnock near Chorley, Lancashire
In lockdown, a group of ladies from the community wanted to form a craft group. With no cost involved, the group meets up once a month in the chapel to enjoy each other’s company and share their skills and expertise.

Zeals Almshouse Charity, Chafyn Grove, Zeals, Wiltshire
Beautifully manicured and well-loved, low-cost gardens that welcome the whole community in for local events and to see their floral displays year-round.

Penrose Gardens, Barnstaple Almshouses
Frances Darlington Charity
Zeals Almshouse Charity

To read all about the award winning entries in full, please click on the links below:

The awards are for everyone to participate in and celebrate their achievements. They belong to all of you who are working on a daily basis to provide the best service you can for your residents. Help us celebrate your achievements by submitting an application for your 2023 projects and developments.

Details on how to submit your projects or developments for a 2023 Award will be posted on our website soon and will also appear in our Autumn Gazette.


Consumer Standards Consultation

The Almshouse Association Response to consultation on Consumer Standards

On 25 July 2023, the Regulator of Social Housing set out a new proposed set of consumer standards. The consumer standards have been designed by the Regulator of Housing (RSH) to enhance the experience and improve the wellbeing of occupiers (tenants) of social housing.

In January 2023, the RSH sought input for the draft plans from The Almshouse Association and although much of the positive detail remains and some of the areas we raised concerns about have been removed from this draft, there are, however, many areas in the current proposal that we will, and must, challenge.

We remain concerned about elements of ‘tenant management’ proposed (given the personal responsibility held by trustees), aspects of the Mutual Exchange and particularly the indication that all forms of occupation may be swept up with this proposal.

We will be seeking your input and will respond robustly.

Please find link to the consultation.

NOTE: only affects almshouse charities that are Registered Housing Providers

Posted 31 July 2023

Launching soon! The Almshouse Association Friends of Club!

The Almshouse Association Friends of Club

‘Preserving the historic value of the almshouse movement and securing its future.’

Our aim here at The Almshouse Association is to provide a welcoming Club that makes supporters of almshouses feel a close connection with each other, where you can connect and share your passion for almshouses and the almshouse movement.

The Friends of Club will offer some amazing benefits to our ‘Friends’ with a unique calendar of activities and projects that you can get involved in. Other benefits will include a twice-yearly newsletter with updates on the Association’s activities, an exclusive Friends Networking Event, dates of Friends gatherings held across the UK, and case studies and biographies of Trustees, Ambassadors, and Regional Peer Representatives.

We welcome Elizabeth Fathi, previous Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Almshouse Association as our first ‘Friend of The Almshouse Association’

Nick Phillips, our CEO, says, “We are delighted to have Elizabeth as our first honorary ‘Friend’. She will be a supportive addition to this new Club. Her expansive knowledge of the almshouse movement will be an amazing asset to everyone involved in the Friends of Club.  We welcome Elizabeth.”

We will also be welcoming all our Lifetime and Associate Members to Friends.

If you are a Lifetime or Associate Member you will have received a letter with further details of the Friends of Club and we look forward to sharing the many benefits with you over the coming months.

We are busy finalising The ‘Friends of’ Club’s very own website page and we will let you know as soon as this is up and running. In the meantime, if you would like to find out more, please contact David Burton or Gerry Harmon on 01344 452922

posted 31 July 2023

P&G update: 26.07.23

Following a significant push from Association member charities and supporting MPs, we have seen a consistent response to questions in the House of Commons.

This government response is significant because for the first time the answer to the questions posed is suggesting that local government has the power to decide if almshouses meet the terms of Sec106. We have long argued that the National Planning Policy Framework is guidance only and that charities should be considered as proper affordable housing.

HoC Written Answer: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Almshouses: Affordable Housing

Q: Siobhain McDonagh (Lab) (Mitcham and Morden): (194657) To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he plans to include almshouses in the National Planning Policy Framework definition of affordable housing.

A: Rachel Maclean (Con) (Redditch): I refer the Hon. Member to my answer to Question UIN 185863 on 30 May 2023.

Almshouses play a valuable role in providing homes for communities across the country. Registration with the Regulator of Social Housing is voluntary for almshouses, and a number of almshouses do choose to register. Where almshouses are registered with the Regulator, they are required to meet the Regulator’s economic and consumer standards.

Affordable housing contributions in Section 106 agreements are negotiated between local planning authorities and developers.

Grouped Questions: 194587, 194656

Source

HoC Written Answer: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Almshouses: Regulation

Q: Siobhain McDonagh (Lab) (Mitcham and Morden): (194656) To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he plans to bring forward proposals on the regulation of almshouses.

A: Rachel Maclean (Con) (Redditch): I refer the Hon. Member to my answer to Question UIN 185863 on 30 May 2023.

Almshouses play a valuable role in providing homes for communities across the country. Registration with the Regulator of Social Housing is voluntary for almshouses, and a number of almshouses do choose to register. Where almshouses are registered with the Regulator, they are required to meet the Regulator’s economic and consumer standards.

Affordable housing contributions in Section 106 agreements are negotiated between local planning authorities and developers.

Grouped Questions: 194587, 194657

Source

HoC Written Answer: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Almshouses: Finance

Q: Daisy Cooper (Lib Dem) (St Albans): (194587) To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of enabling alms houses to access section 106 funding in the same way as housing associations.

A: Rachel Maclean (Con) (Redditch): I refer the Hon. Member to my answer to Question UIN 185863 on 30 May 2023.

Almshouses play a valuable role in providing homes for communities across the country. Registration with the Regulator of Social Housing is voluntary for almshouses, and a number of almshouses do choose to register. Where almshouses are registered with the Regulator, they are required to meet the Regulator’s economic and consumer standards.

Affordable housing contributions in Section 106 agreements are negotiated between local planning authorities and developers.

Grouped Questions: 194656, 194657

We are asking further questions of Government.

posted 27 July 2023

Major Government Support Package

On Tuesday 25 July 2023 Department for Culture Media and Sport announced that charities and community organisations carrying out vital work to help vulnerable people are invited to apply for a major government support package.

  • Most vulnerable people in society protected from cost of living with £76 million government support package
  • New fund supporting charities and community organisations providing vital services opens today
  • Grants targeted at organisations struggling with rising costs and increased demand
  • Delivers on Prime Minister’s commitment to support people with cost of living and protect low-income households

Charities and community organisations carrying out vital work to help vulnerable people are today invited to apply for a major government support package worth £76 million. The fund will support frontline charities and community organisations struggling to meet increased demand for their critical services, such as the provision of food, emergency provisions, shelter, safe spaces, warmth and financial or housing advice.

Organisations can apply for grants worth between £10,000 and £75,000 to cover project and core costs, including office rent, utilities, staff and volunteers, from now until the end of March.

“We recognise this is a tough time for families and businesses across the country, as they face rising prices and higher rents or mortgage payments. And during tough times charity and community organisations are at the heart of society, supporting people struggling through life with care and compassion. To deal with a sharp rise in demand resulting from cost of living pressures, we are supporting charities with £76 million to enable these lifeline services to cope with the increased demand they are facing and continue their good work.”

Minister for Civil Society Stuart Andrew

Further details on eligibility and the applications process can be found on The National Lottery Community Fund website, in their role as the intermediary grant maker.

The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund is the first portion of funding from a total pot of £101.5 million announced by the Chancellor at the spring Budget. Charities and community organisations are encouraged to apply for the targeted support, with a focus on small to medium-sized voluntary, community or social enterprise organisations based in England with an annual turnover of between £10,000 and around £1 million. Larger organisations can also apply if they show that they work closely and effectively with local communities as well as fill a gap in essential local services.

Applications will be accepted until midday 16 October 2023 and all funds must be spent by 31 March 2024.

posted 26 July 2023

P&G update: 25.7.23

Update on the Association’s recent political engagement and The Social Housing Bill:

National Planning Policy Framework

The Almshouse Association has recorded over 60 letters to the Secretary of State in support of our proposed amendment to the National Planning Policy Framework to properly recognise almshouses as affordable housing.

This amendment is requested as part of the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill. Thank you to everyone who has engaged their MPs and helped raise the profile of the almshouse movement. The Association’s visit to Theresa May MP was a great boost to our cause and her persuasive letter added weight to the many other letters seeking change.

The Bill has now passed to The House of Lords where the battle continues and last week Baroness Hayman of Ullock requested the amendment to the definition of affordable housing. This is likely now to be debated in September, and having also been tabled as an amendment, it will be considered. Further support for an amendment to the definition has also been expressed by Baroness Scott.

We will continue to raise the issue and build support from Peers in the hope that this minor change to the National Planning Policy Framework is affected. The definition of affordable housing was sent to all MPs last Friday from The House of Commons as part of their familiarisation homework. We hope this is a precursor to further discussions around the subject.

Other work is on going in relation to Regulated Housing and the almshouse model seeking a more proportionate form of regulation for almshouse charities.

The Social Housing Bill has now received Royal Assent

The Social Housing Regulation Act received royal assent this week.

This is a huge milestone in the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Tragedy, and represents the biggest change to the regulation of social housing in over a decade.

The Act will make a real difference including:

  • Facilitating the introduction of proactive consumer regulation by the Regulator of Social Housing, with regular inspections of the largest landlords
  • Stronger enforcement powers for the Regulator to take action where landlords do not meet the standards
  • Additional Housing Ombudsman powers to publish best practice guidance to landlords following investigations into tenant complaints 
  • Powers to set strict time limits for social landlords to address hazards such as damp and mould, as part of Awaab’s Law
  • Powers to set new qualification requirements for social housing managers 

The passage of this legislation is one step in the Government’s social housing reform programme. In the near future, the Regulator will consult on revisions to the consumer standards and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) will take forward consultations on Awaab’s Law, changes to the Decent Homes Standard, the professionalisation of the sector and the Access to Information Scheme.

DLUC ended their statement by saying:

“We would like to thank The Almshouse Association for your support and challenge during the passage of the Bill. The Government believes strongly in the value of almshouses providing good quality homes in the sector, and we look forward to continuing to work with you in the implementation of the new consumer regime.”

We too look forward to working with DLUC and other government departments in the hope of affecting change where it is needed and supporting change where are members feel it is right.

posted 25 July 2023

Association welcomes new Chairman

We are delighted to announce that Willie Hartley Russell MVO DL, has been appointed as the new Chairman of The Almshouse Association.  The announcement was made on Thursday 15 June 2023 at the Association’s Members’ Day and Annual General Meeting.

Willie has been a dedicated member of The Almshouse Association Board of Trustees for 20 years, serving in significant roles as Chair of sub-committees, and as Vice Chairman of The Almshouse Association for the last six years.

Willie with the out-going Chair Elizabeth Fathi (2018 – 2023) at Members Day 2023

Willie is a highly regarded investment management professional with generations of family commitment to almshouses. He is a driving force in his local community having recently been High Sheriff of The Royal County of Berkshire (2021/2022), Vice President of the Berkshire Community Foundation, and a Deputy Lieutenant of the County. He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, ensuring that the important links with City Livery companies and The Almshouse Association are maintained.

Willie runs his own farming enterprise and has shown huge personal commitment to the almshouse movement, chairing the family foundation, The Hartley Trust, which dates back to 1393. The Trust has been in the family for nearly 400 years and is the tenth oldest almshouse foundation in the country.

Of his appointment as Chairman of The Almshouse Association Willie Hartley Russell said:

“Almshouses are about people – the people that occupy them and the volunteer trustees who manage them.  It is these people who provide the ‘community spirit’ that makes almshouse living so unique and enduring.

I am looking forward to being Chairman of The Almshouse Association. I want to build closer relationships with government and the housing sector to protect and enhance this exemplary form of community housing that is still so relevant today. I hope, too, that I can encourage more philanthropic support for the longevity of the movement.”

On Willie’s appointment, Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, comments:

“I am delighted. Willie brings formidable experience to our leadership. With his financial career in investment management in the City he brings sound business acumen, and, with his long history of family commitment to almshouses, he has a depth of knowledge that can see the Association and the wider almshouse movement thrive and become robust for the next century.”

Cutting at the cake at the Association’s 75th Anniversary celebration
Willie Hartley Russell (second from left) with fellow board trustees, Clive Cook, Elizabeth Fathi and Paul Mullis

In the news:

  • The Almshouse Association Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell on Kennet News Radio – click on link below and slide to 30.21 to listen.

posted 22 June 2023, updated 24 July 2023

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