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

Our latest update can be found below and previous updates are listed at the bottom of the page.

GOVERNMENT

• Home Office opens consultation on Emergency Evacuation Information Sharing – The Home Office has opened a consultation regarding emergency information sharing within multi-occupancy housing, particularly for those with limited mobility.
  
  This follows an earlier consultation on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), which the Government responded to here. 
  
  Members may wish to view the consultation and respond if they feel necessary. The Almshouse Association is happy to help members by responding on their behalf. Please contact Jack Baldan via jackbaldan@almshouses.org with any evidence you would like to submit.

• Fire Safety Act 2021 comes into force – On May 16^th the Fire Safety Act 2021 was implemented. Implementation leads to the Fire Safety (England) regulations 2022 which have been laid before Parliament and will take effect from 23^rd January 2023. Most of the new regulations only apply to high-rise residential buildings, however, regulations on fire doors and fire safety instructions will apply to all residential buildings with two or more domestic dwellings, regardless of the height of the building.
  
  The Government has published a number of resources to help implement the new regulations, which can be found here:
  • Fire Safety Act Factsheets
  • Fire Safety Act Commencement

For most almshouses the most important points to note are that the responsible persons will be required to:

• provide Fire Safety Instructions: relevant fire safety instructions should be made available to residents, which will include instructions on how to report a fire and any other instruction which sets out what a resident must do once a fire has occurred, based on the evacuation strategy for the building
• provide Fire Door Information: residents should be given information relating to the importance of fire doors in fire safety.
  
  The regulations apply to England only. Information does not need to be shared until 23^rd January 2023, in the meantime, members should look to work towards compliance.

RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

posted 23 May 22

The Almshouse Association held a special event at the Tate Modern gallery in London on May 12^th 2022 to further raise the profile of the almshouse movement.

A senior and influential group of individuals from the worlds of politics, housing, and business met at the Tate Modern. The aim of the event was to discuss the history of the almshouses and the contribution they make to society today as well as looking to the future provision of this valuable housing model. We heard a talk on the history of almshouses and their unique status from BBC historian, Dan Cruickshank. Further speakers included Almshouse Association Chief Executive and Chair, Nick Phillips and Liz Fathi, respectively. We also heard from United St. Saviour’s Chief Executive, Martyn Craddock on the work of the charity and future development plans. There was a very special contribution from almshouse resident, Nigel, who stole the show with his impactful story of how his home had helped him stay sober and rebuild his life.

Guests were also treated to tour of Hopton’s Almshouses; with the gardens in full splendour and the backdrop of high-rise buildings, these small and perfectly formed homes never cease to captivate the audience!

We were pleased to see a full house in attendance, showing the genuine intrigue and desire to learn more about the enduring form of community housing. This forms part of the Association’s key objective to protect and promote almshouses so that they may be better understood by those outside of the movement. In turn we hope this will lead to the creation of new almshouse charities and greater support for those already established.

Our members will be aware that as a movement we face a number of challenges in the years ahead including net zero obligations and trustee recruitment. Events such as these will help spread the almshouse message beyond our comfort zone and bring new ideas and experiences into the movement. This will ensure that the almshouse model can endure and flourish for another 1,000 years to come!

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

Our latest update can be found below and previous updates are listed at the bottom of the page.

GOVERNMENT

• Department of Work and Pensions to restart transition to Universal Credit – DWP has restarted its programme to move all households onto Universal Credit from legacy benefits and tax credits. This could impact the income of almshouse residents.
  Some customers will ‘naturally’ move to Universal Credit as a result of a change in their circumstances while others will move through ‘managed’ and ‘voluntary’ migration. The DWP will also gradually increase invitations for legacy claimants to make the move onto Universal Credit. Claimants who make the move via the managed migration track will be provided with transitional protections. This means their income will be topped up if moving to Universal Credit leaves them with less money than they received previously. Those who opt to move voluntarily, however, will not receive these protections.
  Guidance on moving to Universal Credit can be found here. It is recommended that anyone thinking of switching should consult an independent benefits calculator to check they will not be worse off by switching.
  
  
• Queen’s Speech – The Queen’s Speech took place on May 10^th with Almshouse Association Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, reading the speech in place of HRH The Queen. In total, 38 Bills were included in the speech, these included:
  
  • Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill
    • Creating a duty on the Government to produce an annual report tracking progress of the levelling up missions
    • Laying the foundations for greater English devolution
    • Improvements to the planning system, prioritising environmental assessments
    • A locally set non-negotiable infrastructure levy
    • Simplification and standardisation of local plans process.
      
  • Renters’ Reform Bill
    • Abolishment of section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 – the so-called ‘no-fault’ evictions
    • Application of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector
    • New private landlord’s ombudsman and a property portal for landlords.
      
  • Social Housing Regulation Bill
    • Strengthening the role and powers of the Regulator for Social Housing
    • Introducing greater transparency for tenants on landlord performance
    • Strengthening of the economic regulation of the social housing sector to increase protection and investment
    • Creation of new Tenant Satisfaction Measures.
      
  • Wider Housing Reform
    • Commitment to improve home ownership
    • Commitment to creating a fair and just housing system, on top of the announced social housing reform Bill
    • Promise to publish guidance for enforcement officers and consumers for the implementation of the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act, which was passed last session
    • Cooperation with the Competition and Markets Authority in their ongoing investigation into mis-selling and unfair terms in the leasehold sector
    • Commitments to further reform the leasehold and commonhold sector.
      
  • Data Reform Bill – replacing UK GDPR
    • Creating a data protection framework that is focused on privacy outcomes
    • Greater action against organisations who breach data rights
    • Simplify the rules around research
    • It is also believed that the legislation could remove the requirement for cookie consent banners.

The Almshouse Association will, as always, monitor legislation as it develops for any unintended consequences which may negatively impact members if unaddressed.

WALES

• Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023 – The Welsh Government has opened a consultation on the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. The standard currently applies to housing operated by Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords. Most, if not all, Welsh almshouse charities are likely to not fit into this category, nonetheless, charities may wish to contribute to the consultation or make contact with The Almshouse Association who can reply on their behalf.
  
  The consultation will run for 12 weeks as of May 11^th and can be found here.

RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

posted 16 May 22

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

Our latest update can be found below and previous updates are listed at the end of the page.

New coding to specifically highlight almshouses!

The Charity Commission has been reviewing how it classifies charities’ operations so that it can better understand and analyse the charity sector.

Under the proposed changes, almshouses would be specifically noted alongside a member’s operations. This does not materially change how the charity operates or interacts with the Charity Commission, but marks improved recognition of the model as a distinct tenure in housing.

Information on the changes can be found here.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

• Housing Ombudsman Call for Evidence on Noise Complaints – The Housing Ombudsman has launched a call for evidence to support its next systemic investigation which will look at noise complaints. The investigation will explore how social landlords manage reports of noise nuisance and what drives complaints about how these are handled.

The surveys close on 13 May 2022.

The Charity Commission

• Implementation Timetable for Charities Act 2022 – The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have announced when they will implement changes brought in as part of the Charities Act 2022. Changes will begin to be made from Autumn 2022 until Autumn 2023.
  • The schedule can be found here.
  • Explanatory notes on the Act are available here.

Miscellaneous

• Inside Housing Awards Nominations – Housing trade magazine, Inside Housing, has opened nominations for their Development Awards. There are a number of award categories almshouse charities could apply for, including:
  • Best older people’s housing development
  • Climate change retrofit project of the year
  • Best regeneration project
  • Best affordable housing development
  • Best healthy homes development
    
    It would be fantastic to see some of our members receiving national recognition for their incredible work!
    Nominations must be submitted by midnight on May 12^th. More details can be found here.

• Research Opportunity – The Dunhill Medical Trust are supporting a project led by Housing LIN and TSA as part of the latter’s TAPPI Phase 2 project. The project “seeks to co-produce a ‘TAPPI Framework’ by working with four locality ‘testbeds’ (or demonstrator sites), led by community-based organisations…This phase will gather the evidence of what is possible and challenge what is perceived to be impossible, building upon the learning gathered during the pandemic and creating new and scalable housing service models using technology-enabled care which supports personalisation and, simply, delivers better outcomes for people.”
  
  As part of the project, a call has been put out for community-based organisations who are already interested in integrating technology with housing, health and social care and would be receptive to testing the TAPPI Principles, together with those that are new to the concept but recognise its importance. Those selected to act as ‘testbeds’ would receive £75,000 (inc. VAT) for resourcing and enabling technology solutions.
  
  Members interested in taking part should read the bid guidelines and make an application here. Applications close on May 16^th at 5pm.
  
  The Almshouse Association is also supporting another Dunhill funded bid which is looking specifically at almshouses.

RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

Posted 28 April 22

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

Our latest update can be found below and previous updates are listed at the end of the page.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

• Draft Clauses Published on New Social Housing Regulation – New draft clauses have been published as part of changes to the regulation of social housing through the Regulator for Social Housing. A factsheet has also been produced on the role of the regulator and Housing Ombudsman Service. The Almshouse Association continues to monitor developments in this area. These changes will only affect members who are registered with the regulator.
  
  The draft clauses can be found here. 
  The Factsheet can be found here.

• Failing Landlords to be ‘Named and Shamed’ Under New Regulations – Social landlords providing sub-standard housing and services would be publicly called out on the Government’s website and across social media channels.
  
  This measure will only apply to almshouse charities who are registered with the Regulator for Social Housing and serves as a reminder to ensure that you are fulfilling all the requirements of registration. If in doubt, please do not hesitate to get in touch with The Almshouse Association so we can assist you before any issues are publicised.
  
  The Government announcement can be found here.
  
  
• New Chair of the Regulator of Social Housing – Bernadette Conroy has been appointed as new Chair of the Regulator of Social Housing. The role of the Regulator is steadily becoming more central to the Government’s management of Registered Providers.
  
  Details on the announcement can be found here.

The Charity Commission

• End of flexible guidance on meetings – On 21^st April the flexible approach to charities holding meetings outside the terms of their governing documents will come to an end. Charities should check that their governing documents allow them to hold meetings in the way they wish. For example, you will need to ensure that your governing documents allow for online meetings if you have found these to be more convenient during the pandemic.
  
  Charity Commission guidance for charities on coronavirus can be found here.
  
  
• New 5-minute Guides for Charity Trustees – The Commission has released several animated videos which bring its 5-minute guides to life. This includes new materials on safeguarding. The videos aim to fill in gaps in knowledge, especially for new trustees.
  
  More details can be found here.

Employment Law

• Fear of catching COVID-19 not a protected belief rules employment tribunal – In a recent employment tribunal case it was concluded that an employee’s belief in a fear of catching Covid-19 and a need to protect herself and others, did not amount to a philosophical belief for the purposes of establishing a protected characteristic under section 10(2) Equality Act 2010.
  
  Panel of Consultants member, Stone King has provided an overview of the ruling which can be found here.

Coronavirus

• Spring Booster Campaign Launches – The spring booster vaccination campaign commenced on March 21^st. Those eligible for the booster include adults aged over 75, the immunosuppressed and, crucially, all residents in a care home for older adults. The Almshouse Association has always argued that almshouses should be treated in the same way as care homes due to their communal nature. Members should get in touch with their local authority or NHS group if their residents are struggling.

RECORD OF 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

Posted 4 April 22

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

Our latest update can be found below and previous updates are listed at the end of the page.

DEPARTMENT FOR LEVELLING UP, HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES

• Homes for Ukraine Scheme Launches – The Government has opened the Homes for Ukraine scheme which looks to support Ukrainian refugees currently fleeing the war with Russia.
  
  Charities interested in supporting refugees can record their interest in the scheme which formally opened on March 18^th. In Phase One of the scheme, sponsors in the UK can nominate a named Ukrainian individual or family to stay with them. Accommodation must be available for at least 6 months. It should also be noted that you cannot charge those who may stay with you. There will be an optional ‘thank you’ payment of £350 per month for those who participate. Those from Ukraine will also be able to work and access benefits under the scheme.
  – You can record your interest here.
  – FAQs on the scheme can be found here.
  
  For members who may be interested in this scheme it is important to consider whether it is possible to accept a refugee within your current governing documents. We are all eager to do our bit in supporting those in need, but ultimately, we must still fulfil the charitable objectives of the charities we represent. As such, The Almshouse Association would advise all members to check their governing documents before logging any interest in the scheme. The Association is here to help if you need further guidance.
  
  The Charity Commission has also published a useful information guide on how charities can best support those in need as a result of the crisis which can be found here.

• Housing Ombudsman Complaint Code to Take Effect from April 1^st – In July 2020, the Housing Ombudsman introduced a new Complaint Handling Code to set out good practice for responding to complaints. Following a review, the code has been strengthened with changes to take effect from 1 April 2022. These changes will only apply to members who are registered with the Ombudsman.
  • Changes to the code can be found here.
  • The full announcement from the Ombudsman can be found here.

• Regulator of Social Housing releases latest version of ‘Regulating the Standards’ – Members who are Registered Providers of Social Housing may wish to review the latest version of ‘Regulating the Standards’. The document, published by the Regulator of Social Housing, outlines how they approach their work with the scope of the regulator expanding in recent times.
  • The full document can be found here.

ENERGY

• Issues with Communal Heating Costs – The Almshouse Association is seeking information from members who have communal heating systems in their almshouses and the impact of the current energy crisis on costs of running this system. Communal systems do not benefit from the price cap and are currently not scheduled to receive the £200 government loan, in contrast to those with their own supply.
  
  It would be useful for the Association to understand the scale of this issue including the number of people affected and the amount your bills are projected to increase. Please send any details to Jack Baldan via jackbaldan@almshouses.org  

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

• Government withdraws requirement for vaccine as a condition of employment – Members who also operate care home schemes within their charities will be aware that the Government recently announced that it will bring forward regulations to revoke vaccination as a condition of deployment for all health and care settings.
  
  The Government still consider full vaccination against coronavirus to be the ‘professional responsibility’ of staff working in this sector.

RECORD OF 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

Posted 21 March 21