Government outlines support on energy bills

Prime Minister Liz Truss has outlined the support that the government will provide to help with the spiralling costs of energy.

This package includes:

  • Suspending green levies on energy bills
  • Capping household bills to £2500 per year for the next two years
  • Providing the £400 energy rebate
  • Equivalent support will be offered to those on heat networks
  • A fund will be established to support charities with their energy costs this winter, offering an equivalent guarantee for the next 6 months

The Almshouse Association will continue to study the details of this package and will look to ensure that all almshouse charities are able to access the support they need this winter.

Further support is likely to be announced later this month when the Chancellor is due to deliver a ‘fiscal statement’.

Posted 8 September 22

Support during cost-of-living crisis

The Almshouse Association is aware that many of our members are concerned by the current cost-of-living crisis and the impact it is having on residents. These are extraordinary times without a single, clear solution and the Association is working hard to ensure that your voices are heard.

This has included:

  • Continued correspondence and discussions with government, including with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities as well as the candidates for Prime Minister
  • Consulting with our members on a response to the government’s consultation on a cap on the increase of WMC for Registered Providers
  • Writing to Ofgem to call for greater support for charities who are facing higher rates due to being seen as businesses for energy purposes
  • Establishing links with external organisations who may be able to offer additional support and advice to our members or their residents

If you or your residents do need additional support, we have compiled a list of organisations and websites below that you may find useful:

The Almshouse Association is, however, continuing to do all possible to gain help and support for our members throughout these challenging times and, as always, we will post all relevant information as well as news of any developments on our website.

posted 5 September 2022

Starts at Home Day – 2nd September 2022

On this Starts at Home Day when housing associations up and down the land are celebrating supported housing and the positive impact it makes on thousands of lives, The Almshouse Association would also like to recognise the support offered by almshouse charities throughout the UK that are providing homes for over 36,000 people in housing need.

Care and support in the community has been described as a postcode lottery. This can be particularly true in rural areas where residents can feel disconnected from established support networks. This leaves us wondering what happens in these towns and villages when someone hits hard times in their lives?   

In rural areas, almshouses are sometimes the only form of social housing.

Established over centuries, almshouse charities help to support the communities they serve by providing genuinely affordable local housing to those in need. Almshouses ensure the residents not only have a safe, warm roof over their heads, but are also able to remain within their community. This can make a significant difference in helping people to find their feet when things haven’t gone to plan, providing the support to retain their independence.  

Maintaining and expanding this provision of supported housing is vital if we are to ensure that people who need extra support will always have a safe home that meets their needs.

This is a pressing need across the country, but particularly in our rural communities which do not benefit from a concentration of services within easy reach.  To do this we need a broad spectrum of support – from government, both local and national, to new benefactors who want to help in their local area and local volunteers who can become trustees. Collectively, these groups can continue the tried and tested almshouse tradition into the future, providing support to create new homes in disconnected areas and breathing new life into existing charities.  

This Starts at Home Day, The Almshouse Association is proud to champion the work of our members up and down the country, yet we know that we must continue to call for greater support. Supported housing, such as almshouses, makes a fantastic contribution and helps to save the government money.

Recent research showed that almshouses alone provide over £40m in annual financial benefits.

This contribution shows the great value that investment in this vital sector can bring. It is crucial that we proactively promote this work as we endeavour to secure the support it rightly deserves.    

Almshouse Association members that would like to get involved and ensure the longevity of the almshouse movement could look to invite their local MP to visit their almshouse or write a letter to them. If you need any help with this, we have a template letter on our website you may wish to use (click here).

Members of the public wishing to offer support to either their local almshouse or the almshouse movement can get in touch with The Almshouse Association at www.almshouses.org and we will put you in touch with your local charity.

posted 1st September 2022

Rent Cap Consultation

The Government has opened a consultation on a proposal to introduce a cap on rents in the social housing sector and although they refer to a ‘rent’ cap, almshouse charities who are Registered Providers of Social Housing (RPs) would also be effected.

The consultation has been launched in light of the cost-of-living crisis which has seen inflation rise significantly, with the prediction for September to be over 10%. Almshouse RPs are normally allowed to raise their WMCs by CPI + 1% each year, this would likely result in an increase of at least 11%. Combined with increases in other bills this is not seen as a viable option and so a reduced cap is being recommended for the coming year.

The consultation proposes a number of options for the cap:

  • Do nothing and allow increases of CPI +1%
  • Cap at 3%
  • Cap at 5%
  • Cap at 7%

The Government has noted that it would prefer a 5% cap to allow RPs to continue their normal operations without causing further financial hardship on residents. In light of current pressures, The Almshouse Association is likely to recommend that all members, including non-RPs, use the agreed cap when setting WMC for the coming year.

The Almshouse Association is considering the proposals and will be responding to the consultation. We would welcome the input of our members in this process. Members who wish to provide feedback can do so by writing to Jack Baldan via jackbaldan@almshouses.org.

The consultation is open until 11:45pm on 12 October 2022, however, if you would like to contribute to the Association’s submission, please do so by Friday 30th September

Details on the consultation and resources on the proposal can be found here. 

posted 31 August 2022

Association secures access to £800m fund for decarbonisation

Following extensive discussions, The Almshouse Association is pleased to announce that the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) will now be open to all almshouse charities.

The fund is due to re-open this Autumn 2022 with £800m in funding to help raise as many properties as possible to EPC Band C. In total, the fund will provide £3.8 billion over a ten-year period. Previously, the fund was restricted to Registered Providers of Social Housing, however, after continued engagement with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Association was able to achieve changes to the next round of funding to allow registered charities that own social housing to bid directly into the fund. This marks the most significant funding currently available for retrofit projects that is available to almshouse charities.

To bid for funding the project must meet the funds eligibility criteria which includes:

  • A minimum of 100 eligible properties at EPC band D-G (Note: If you have less than 100 dwellings you will need to join a consortium with other charities, your local authority, or a housing association)
  • Properties must reach EPC band C or D where this is not possible on band F/G properties
  • Bidders must be able to co-fund 50% of total eligible costs

The Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator is backed by Government and has been established to help guide applicants through the bidding process. If you are interested in bidding, the Accelerator will be able to offer the best advice on how to create a successful bid. More details can be found here.

The fund is next due to open this Autumn 2022, although, the announcement may have come too late for many members to create a suitable bid. There will, however, be further opportunity to bid as the fund is due to reopen subsequently.

Full guidance on the fund can be found here.  

Posted 22 August 2022

P&G update: 22.08.22

The Almshouse Association regularly posts a news summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact / requires action from our member charities, with links to further information where applicable. Please find below our latest summary:

Government

THE ALMSHOUSE ASSOCIATION SECURES ACCESS FOR ALL ALMSHOUSES CHARITIES TO £800M DECARBONISATION FUND

Following extensive discussions, The Almshouse Association is pleased to announce that the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) will now be open to all almshouse charities.

The fund is due to re-open this Autumn with £800m in funding to help raise as many properties as possible to EPC Band C. In total, the fund will provide £3.8 billion over a ten-year period. Previously, the fund was restricted to Registered Providers of Social Housing, but after continued engagement with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Association was able to achieve changes to the next round of funding to allow registered charities that own social housing to bid directly into the fund. This marks the most significant funding currently available for retrofit projects that is available to almshouse charities.

To bid for funding the project must meet the funds eligibility criteria which includes:

  • A minimum of 100 eligible properties at EPC band D-G (Note: If you have less than 100 dwellings you will need to join a consortium with other charities, your local authority, or a housing association)
  • Properties must reach EPC band C or D where this is not possible on band F/G properties
  • Bidders must be able to co-fund 50% of total eligible costs

    The Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator is backed by Government and has been established to help guide applicants through the bidding process. If you are interested in bidding, the Accelerator will be able to offer the best advice on how to create a successful bid. More details can be found here.

    The fund is next due to open this Autumn 2022, although, the announcement may have come too late for many members to create a suitable bid. There will, however, be further opportunity to bid as the fund is due to reopen subsequently. Full guidance on the fund can be found here. 
  • Consultation opens on proposed changes to Statistical Data Return (SDR) – Members who are Registered Providers of Social Housing will be aware of the requirement to submit data as part of the Statistical Data Return through the NROSH+ system.
    From 2023, the Regulator of Social Housing is proposing to amend the questions asked as part of the return and is seeking feedback from Registered Providers on these changes.
    The consultation is open until 9th September. Full details can be found here.
  • Government starts naming and shaming failing landlords – The government has started publishing the name of all the landlords who have received severe maladministration findings from the Housing Ombudsman Service. The full list can be found here.
    This serves as a good reminder for members who are also part of the Housing Ombudsman to review their practices to ensure they are in line with the requirements of the Ombudsman.
    If you have any concerns, please contact The Almshouse Association for support.  

The Charity Commission

  • Changes to Charity Commission Communication – The Charity Commission is looking to be more proactive with its engagement with trustees in the future. To make this a reality, they will be asking all charity contacts to set up new, individual Charity Commission accounts to access services such as filing an annual return or changing a governing document. They will also be asking charities to update information on what they do, who they help and where they work.

    More information can be found in the Commission’s newsletter here.
  • Commission clarifies bullying and harassment roles and responsibilities – The Charity Commission has clarified respective responsibilities in preventing and responding to incidents of bullying and harassment in charities.

    In its clarification it has outlined the role of trustees and when the Commission will intervene in matters arising. Full details can be found here.

Miscellaneous

  • Funding available for tree planting – The Tree Council has opened its Branching Out Fund for applications. Grants of £200 – £2000 are on offer for projects to plant trees, hedges and orchards with a strong community involvement, ideally involving children and/or young people.

    Full details can be found here.   

RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

Posted 22 August 22

P&G update: 8.08.22

The Almshouse Association regularly posts a news summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact / requires action from our member charities, with links to further information where applicable. Please find below our latest summary:

Government

  • Government updates advice on £400 energy rebate – The Government has announced further information on the £400 energy rebate which is being provided to households to help with the cost of living crisis. Previously there had been concerns that the scheme would not support those who operated heat networks where a charity charges for energy through their WMC. However, the Government has now clarified that the payment will be made to those with:

    “Domestic electricity contracts from landlords where fixed energy costs are included in their rental charges. In these circumstances, landlords who resell energy to their tenants should pass the discounted payments on appropriately, in line with Ofgem rules to protect tenants.”

    Furthermore, they have confirmed that:

    “Further funding will be available to provide equivalent support of £400 for energy bills for the 1% of households who will not be reached through the EBSS [Energy Bill Support Scheme]. This includes those who do not have a domestic electricity meter or a direct relationship with an energy supplier, such as park home residents.”

    We are glad that the government has taken note of the pressure from The Almshouse Association and others on this issue. However, we are still disappointed that further information on how the scheme will be delivered has still not been provided. Those with standard electric tariffs will see a £66 discount applied to their energy bill in October and November, rising to £67 from December to March 2023. Further information can be found here.
  • New guidance for landlords on smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations – We recently published a piece on the new regulations for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms from October 1st 2022. The Government has since published a guidance booklet for landlords which can be found here.
  • Housing Ombudsman opens landlord survey – Housing Ombudsman members may wish to answer their current landlord survey which looks to see how landlords are using the complaints handling code, among other topics. The survey can be found here and closes on 26 August 2022

The Charity Commission

  • Commissions publishes guidance on upcoming changes to the Charities Act – The Charity Commission has published new guidance on the forthcoming changes to the Charity Act in Autumn 2022.

    This includes:
    • Paying trustees for providing goods to the charity
    • Making moral or ‘ex gratia’ payments from charity funds
    • Fundraising appeals that do not reach, or exceed, your target
    • Power to amend Royal Charters.

      Full details can be found here

RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

Posted 8 August 22

Government updates advice on £400 energy rebate

The Government has announced further information on the £400 energy rebate which is being provided to households to help with the cost-of-living crisis. Previously there had been concerns that the scheme would not support those who operated heat networks where a charity charges for energy through their WMC.

However, the Government has now clarified that the payment will be made to those with:

“Domestic electricity contracts from landlords where fixed energy costs are included in their rental charges. In these circumstances, landlords who resell energy to their tenants should pass the discounted payments on appropriately, in line with Ofgem rules to protect tenants.”

Furthermore, they have confirmed that:

“Further funding will be available to provide equivalent support of £400 for energy bills for the 1% of households who will not be reached through the EBSS [Energy Bill Support Scheme]. This includes those who do not have a domestic electricity meter or a direct relationship with an energy supplier, such as park home residents.”

We are glad that the Government has taken note of the pressure from The Almshouse Association and others on this issue. However, we are still disappointed that further information on how the scheme will be delivered has still not been provided.

Those with standard electric tariffs will see a £66 discount applied to their energy bill in October and November, rising to £67 from December to March 2023.

Further information can be found here.

posted 4 August 22

Mandatory smoke and carbon monoxide alarms from 1st Oct 2022


Following consultations with the Government, The Almshouse Association can confirm that changes to the regulations of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will affect almshouses.

This means that from October 1st, 2022 almshouse charities will be required to:

  • provide a smoke alarm on each storey of their properties where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation
  • provide carbon monoxide alarms in any room of their properties used wholly or partly as living accommodation where a fixed combustion appliance is present (excluding gas cookers)
  • repair or replace alarms as soon as reasonably practicable.

Many almshouse charities likely already provide these alarms in their dwellings and shared communal areas. If not, trustees should look to immediately address this so that they are compliant with the new requirements.

If you are looking for support with either types of alarm, it is recommended you contact your local fire service who should be able to assist you further.

Posted 26 July 22

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The Almshouse Association has recently held discussions with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Ofgem regarding the eligibility of almshouse dwellings for the new Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The scheme will provide “grants to encourage property owners to install low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps”. This includes:

  • £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
  • £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler
  • £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump

This support would offer significant support to charities who may be considering installing some of these measures. However, the eligibility of almshouses is not clear as the broader category of social housing – defined as “low-cost rental accommodation – is not eligible. The Almshouse Association has challenged this definition as almshouses do not provide ‘rental’ accommodation.

Unfortunately, neither body has provided clear guidance beyond this point and have instead suggested that they would judge each application on a case-by-case basis. We would encourage members to apply for the scheme and to inform the Association of the outcome.

Details on the scheme can be found here.

Posted 18 July 22