Covid-19 update: 30.11.21

With the discovery of a new variant of coronavirus, the Government has re-introduced some measures to prevent further spread within the community.

From Tuesday November 30^th it is now a requirement to wear a face mask when entering most indoor public spaces such as shops, banks and post offices, as well as on public transport. Masks are not required in most hospitality settings.

The Covid booster programme rules are also being amended to open them up to more people. You can find more information on this here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The Association will continue to monitor the situation for further developments.

Posted 30 November 21

Covid & supported housing

Covid and supported housing: making vaccination a condition of employment in the health and social care sector.

Any almshouse charity that operates a CQC registered care home must have staff that work in that care home vaccinated (unless they have a valid exemption.

The Department of Health and Social Care is currently reviewing these regulations and if they widen the criteria to non CQC registered settings we will of course let our member charities know.

As it stands, in terms of mandatory vaccination for other almshouse charities, this must be based on the Health and Safety risk analysis. Each charity will need to consider the risk to residents and staff.

This article from a leading law firm clearly explains the risks and challenges involved in adopting such a policy:

www.twobirds.com/en/news/articles/2021/uk/what-to-consider-when-implementing-a-vaccination-policy-in-your-organisation

If any member charity is considering this, we would recommend taking separate legal advice to ensure the charity is protected from challenge. Legal advisors can be found on our panel of consultants*: www.almshouses.org/panel-of-consultants/.

* The Almshouse Association makes every effort to ensure that the details of the Panel are accurate and up to date, it is important that members satisfy themselves that the services, qualifications and relevant membership of professional bodies meet their particular needs.

Posted 29 November 21

Policy & Governance: 29.11.21 update

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:

Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Committee opens Call for Evidence on regulation in social housing – The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee which looks into issues relating to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, has opened an inquiry on the quality of social housing and effectiveness of the regulatory regime. The Almshouse Association will be submitting a response to the Committee and would welcome input from our members.
- Details on the questions being asked by the Committee can be found here.
- The proposed submission from The Almshouse Association can be found here.
- Members’ comments to our proposed response to be sent to JackBaldan@almshouses.org by 15^th December 2021.

Smoke alarms to become mandatory for all social rented homes – The Government has confirmed that it will proceed with changes to the law which would require social landlords to have at least one smoke alarm installed on each storey of a home.

Other changes would also require social and private landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or fire, excluding gas cookers. Landlords would be legally obliged to repair and replace alarms once informed that they are faulty.

This requirement is limited to members who are Registered Providers of Social Housing. However, it may be appropriate to review current installation and operation of alarms. The Association will continue to monitor developments for implementation dates.

Wales

Welsh Government Fund Community Asset Loan Fund – Charities in Wales will be able to borrow up to £300,000 to take over local assets under a new scheme. The Community Asset Loan Fund (CALF) is funded by the Welsh government and managed by the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA). Interested charities have been advised to contact WCVA directly.

More information can be found here.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus remains with us and The Almshouse Association would encourage all members to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as part of their risk assessments.

Government guidance can be found here:

2021 Policy and Governance updates:
Policy & Governance update: 01.11.21 | (almshouses.org)
Policy & Governance update: 15.10.21 | (almshouses.org)
Policy & Governance update: 20.09.21 | (almshouses.org)
Policy & Governance: 31.08.21 update | (almshouses.org)
Policy & Governance update: 16.08.21 | (almshouses.org)
Policy & Governance: 02.08.21 update – 2 August 2021 Summary
Policy & Governance update – 19 July 21 Summary
Policy & Governance update: 5 July 21
Policy and Governance update – June 2021 Summary
Policy and Governance update – May 2021 Summary
Policy and Governance update – April 2021 Summary
Policy and Governance update – March 2021 Summary
Policy & Governance update – February 2021 Summary
Policy and Governance update – January 2021 Summary

Posted 29 November 21

Sector Risk Profile 2021: Almshouse Association Briefing Note

The Regulator of Social Housing has published the main risks facing the social housing sector and some of the actions registered providers should be taking to manage those risks.

Whilst the focus is on larger Housing Associations, almshouse charities, especially those that are Registered Providers, should find the information below useful as a starting point for discussion.

It sets out the Regulators view of the most significant sources of risk to providers’ ongoing compliance with their regulatory standards. The Regulator acknowledges that the focus over the past year was inevitably dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic and that providers responded well to the unprecedented challenges they face.

Risks are grouped into four sections:

Strategic risks
Operational risks – existing stock and service delivery
Operational risks – development
Financial and treasury management risks

These risks have the potential to threaten the successful delivery of providers’ strategic objectives, providers’ viability, or the safety of resident. The Sector Risk Profile describes both risks that most providers are likely to face and also those that may only affect a minority of providers.

These risks are further broken down below:

A. Strategic Risks

Diversification. This is where an Almshouse Charity may have additional revenue streams, such as non-almshouse housing or seek to establish new ones. Almshouse charities must have regard to charity law and their Governing Document when undertaking diverse activity. In addition failure to appropriately manage these can damage an almshouse charities reputation and be detrimental financially, putting the almshouse housing at risk.
Access to labour and skills. Ongoing skills shortages, made worse by current disruption to the labour market, may threaten the ability to deliver routine and emergency maintenance. Boards will need to ensure that they have robust systems to manage risks from emerging and longer-term labour and skills shortages
Delivering against expectations. Almshouses, because of their charitable status, could well be scrutinised by a number of stakeholders. Instances of poor quality and performance may reach the public domain quickly.
Counterparty risk. Almshouses enter into contracts with a wide range of third parties, including insurers and maintenance contractors. Whilst this is an effective way to deliver a service it does increase the third party risk
Value for Money. The Almshouse Association has produced a webinar on this topic https://www.almshouses.org/training-seminars/ .

B. Operational risks – existing stock and service delivery

Existing stock quality. Failure to ensure quality almshouse provision, will affect the resident and could lead to deterioration of stock, potentially leading to greater expense at a later date. Boards must ensure that their organisations provide a repairs and maintenance service to homes and communal areas that represents value for money and which ensures residents homes meet minimum standard
Delivering services to residents. The provision of good quality housing services to residents is core of the role of a registered provider. As well as breaching consumer standards, failure to deliver these services or to engage effectively with residents could lead to a breakdown in trust in the relationship almshouses have with their beneficiaries
Health and Safety. Ensuring that tenants are safe in their homes is a fundamental responsibility of all landlords. Providers must ensure that they comply with statutory health and safety obligations
Costs and inflation. Providers’ costs are expected to rise over the next few years, in part due to spending previously delayed by COVID-19 restrictions alongside planned remedial safety works and energy efficiency improvements to existing stock.
WMC income and arrears. WMC income accounts for the large majority of the sectors income. Frequently the WMC is supported by government benefits such as Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. Changes to benefits policy and the administration of benefits can have implications for providers’ WMC collection. The potential for high CPI inflation in the 12 months to September 2021 may represent a significant increase in providers’ maximum permitted rent inflation for 2022/23, and Boards will need to consider a wide range of factors in reaching decisions on rent increases charged to tenants.
Data Security. Almshouses gather many types of data and need to ensure they protect this data against a backdrop of increasing data security risks.

C. Operational Risks – Development

Construction process risks. Ongoing disruption to supply chains and labour markets and increased input costs may risk delays to developments.

D. Finance and treasury management

Existing Debt. Failure to manage relationships with lenders or compliance with covenants can threaten financial viability and undermine the achievement of strategic objectives. Boards must ensure appropriate treasury management and governance processes are in place to effectively monitor existing loan covenants to mitigate the risk of breaches.
New debt. Strategic purposes, objectives and risk appetites differ, and therefore suitable funding options also vary. Almshouse charities should seek specialist external advice as appropriate, and that Boards are able to effectively understand and challenge this.
Fraud. Almshouses are exposed to the risk of fraud through their procurement and provision of services. Where fraud occurs, it is reputationally damaging and can have significant implications for providers’ financial viability. Boards must ensure that they have robust internal control procedures in place.

More detailed information can be found here Sector risk profile 2021 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Posted 17 November 21

Association releases new research on financial benefits of almshouses

The Almshouse Association is excited to publish a new report, produced by Housing LIN, on the financial benefits of almshouses.

This report represents the first significant investigation into the financial benefits almshouses provide to society and creates a strong foundation for further investigation.

The key findings of the report are:

£43m total financial benefit per year
Almshouse residents are less likely to use domiciliary care
Residents make less GP appointments and are less likely to visit A&E
Almshouse contribute to local economies through their staff and volunteers with an estimated value of £56m.

We would like to thank Housing LIN for producing such a detailed and insightful report. We hope that you enjoy reading it!

The full report can be found here.

Photograph courtesy of Whiteley Homes Trust

Posted 15 November 21

18.11.21 – APPG on Almshouses Meeting

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Almshouses will be holding a session to discuss the research on the significant financial benefits provided by the almshouse movement on November 18^th 2021, 3-4pm.

The session will see a discussion on the findings of the report and what they mean for the future provision of almshouses across the country. Speakers include:

Nick Phillips – Chief Executive | The Almshouse Association
Jeremy Porteus – Chief Executive | Housing LIN

If you would like to register for this virtual meeting, please click on the registration button below:

If you have any questions, please do get in touch with Jack Baldan via jackbaldan@almshouses.org

Posted 2 November 21

Pass it on – Remember a Charity

Almshouses have played an important role in social housing for over a thousand years.

They are the result of a bequest and of social activism, with the original benefactors keen to support those in housing need and poverty – in perpetuity.

“One of the earliest forms of bequest, almshouses are as relevant today as they have been throughout the ages, but who will be the next generation of philanthropists?”
Dan Cruikshank, British art historian, BBC television presenter and Almshouse Association Ambassador

Almshouse charities today are pivotal within local communities and continue to support generation after generation of local people in housing need, so it has been fitting that during our 75th year, The Almshouse Association has been having conversations about the benefits of almshouses and just how important legacies are to us and to our member charities.

Please click here to read the article on almshouses featured in the Daily Telegraph on Saturday 30th October 21 as part the nationwide ‘Remember a Charity’ campaign.

Our plan to support our members to build thousands of new almshouses in the next 10 years across the country is achievable – with your help. We are seeing the almshouse movement getting more attention in The House of Lords, The House of Commons, the Church of England’s ‘Coming Home’ report on tackling the housing crisis, and highlighted in a number of recent White Papers on Social Housing. These are exciting times! But we need to do more!

Leave a legacy – support generation after generation – in perpetuity

Across the country many of our member charities are looking to do more too. They want to build, refurbish and improve their almshouses. The almshouse movement is growing and becoming a significant part of the response to the affordable housing crisis across the country with 36,000 people living in almshouses today.

We have joined forces with ‘Remember a Charity’ who are actively working to encourage more people to leave a gift in their will. They give advice on will writing and we are proud to be one of the 200+ charities they are working with to ‘act today to make a difference tomorrow’.

Thinking about leaving a legacy and want to talk about it?
Click to leave you contact details and we will call you directly

Posted 4 November 21

Policy & Governance update: 01.11.21

Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Housing Ombudsman Strategy Consultation – The Housing Ombudsman has opened a consultation on its strategy for the upcoming three years. With impending legislation strengthening the role of the ombudsman this consultation presents members with an opportunity to feed into what it should prioritize.

Members of the ombudsman can find the consultation here. It is due to close on November 12th 2021.

£65m support package announced for vulnerable renters – DLUHC has announced a £65m fund to support vulnerable renters over the winter months. The fund will be distributed to local councils to help prevent homelessness and support families to get back on their feet after the pandemic.

Members may wish to get in touch with their local council if they feel there are residents who would benefit from this fund. Local councils have flexibility to decide what this the most effective way to make use of this funding, however 50% must go towards households with children. The funding would be paid directly to the charity. More information can be found here.

The Budget 2021

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced this year’s budget with a number of housing announces included this year. These include:

£1.8bn for 180,000 new homes through land regeneration
£640m per year to be spent on the Government’s commitment to end rough sleeping
£5bn for remediation of the highest risk buildings wish unsafe cladding
Taper rate for Universal Credit to be reduced from 63% to 55% meaning claimants keep more of their money earned through work
The ‘freeze’ in local housing allowance will remain in place for another 12 months at least

Energy and Environment

Heat and Building Strategy – The government has announced its long-awaited Heat and Building Strategy. The strategy outlines the government’s plans to reach net zero by 2050. This includes:
- Funding from April 2022 for heat pumps through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
- Phasing out new natural gas boilers from 2035
- Investment into projects on the potential use of hydrogen in the heat network

The Association will shortly publish a breakdown of the key takeaways for our members. The full strategy can be found here.

Posted 1 November 21

Its Trustee Week!

A BIG THANK YOU!

Its Trustees’ week and we want to send a heartfelt thank you to all our amazing members for the passion and dedication you give to your almshouses and your residents.

You are the silent heroes of the almshouse movement and we are inspired on a daily basis by the commitment and energy you give, year in and year out, to enable local people in your communities to live in warm, safe homes.

Visit here for more information on Trustees Week

Posted 1 November 21

Almshouse Association Christmas Fund

Christmas Fund now open!

Christmas is once again almost upon us and we are very happy to be able to announce that requests for Christmas vouchers for almshouse residents are now being taken.

As many of you are aware, every year at the bequest of a late benefactor, The Almshouse Association is able to offer Christmas vouchers to almshouse residents of member charities who are (or will be) 90 years old or older on the 25th December 2021.

Member charities will need to apply for Christmas vouchers by completing and sending in our Christmas Fund application form.

Please be aware that the closing date for applications is 12th November 2021 and because the fund is limited, vouchers will be issued on a first come, first served basis*.

*We politely request that if your charity is able to afford a small gift to your residents that you do not apply .

The Almshouse Association Christmas Fund derives its origin from a generous legacy left to the Association over 70 years ago by Major Allnatt, a successful businessman and philanthropist who worked closely with and supported our founding General Secretary, Leonard Hackett. It was important to Major Allnatt that his gift remained a secret until his death, many years ago now, but his legacy lives on in the form of a gift to every almshouse resident over 90 every Christmas.

Posted 20th October 2021

(Above photo: Member Services Officer Susan Brooks Christmas 2020 posting Christmas gifts)