Since March there has been an increase in cases of cybercrime and fraud among charities, with the Charity Commission receiving reports of 645 incident since March, amounting to £3.6m in total losses to charities.

Almshouse charities, regardless of size, are not immune and we are aware of at least one near miss that one of our members had recently.  

The Charity Commission is therefore running a Charity Fraud Awareness Week from 19-23 October 2020. This awareness raising week, run in conjunction with the Fraud Advisory Panel, has been put together to boost charity resilience to fraud and cybercrime.

Charities can access a range of free resources from the charity fraud awareness hub. Here you’ll find mini-tutorials, on-demand webinars, videos and factsheets to help you with fraud awareness. The Charity Commission has also put together some helpful guidance on protecting your charity from fraud nd what to do if you do fall victim to it.

For more information about Charity Fraud Awareness Week 2020 with links to various resources, please their website here

Posted 20 October 2020

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After each Almshouse Association Board Meeting, the Key Decisions made at the most recent meeting are uploaded to the  ‘Latest News’ pages on our website for all registered member charities to access.

At the virtual Board Meeting held on 17th September 2020, the following Key Decisions were made:

1. The decision was carried by the Board to release £20,000 from the Grant budget and for full flexibility to be granted to CEO for discretionary distribution to charities in immediate crisis up to £3,000 per case. The pilot will be reviewed after 6 months.
   
2. The Board voted and unanimously agreed to release a further £5,000 (above the strategic budget) to enable the data collection and value for money research to commence.
   
3. The Board unanimously agreed with the recommendation made by the F&GP to increase the Grants budget from £250,000 to £350.000.

A record of all Key Decisions made at Board Meetings (from June 18 onwards) can be found in here.

Posted 14 October 2020

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Each month, the Association 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 September 2020 Summary.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

• Government Announces Funding For The Affordable Homes Programme – The Government announced £12 billion in funding for the Affordable Housing Programme for 2021-2026.
  
  The aim of this fund is to provide 180,000 homes around the country. The Almshouse Association welcomes this funding, which has previously been used to support almshouse charities to grow and develop. We hope to see many more examples of this fund being used to support our members. Further guidance on the specifics of the fund will be published shortly.
  
  After discussions over recent months, The Almshouse Association is particularly pleased to see almshouses specifically mentioned in the Government’s announcement, reiterating the exemption from Right to Buy which almshouses benefit from.
  
  The full Government announcement can be found here.

• Flood Grant Extension – The Government has announced an extension of the £5,000 grant scheme available to homes and businesses affected by flooding in the last year. The Property Flood Resilience (PFR) scheme will be extended by nine months to take into account delays to repair work and the additional pressures placed on local authorities by coronavirus.
  
  The new deadline for applications from communities flooded in November 2019 is now 31 December 2021, while those flooded in February 2020 have until 1 July 2022.
  
  The full announcement can be found here.

Coronavirus

• Self-Isolation Payment – The Government has announced that people are now required by law to self-isolate when they develop, or come into contact with someone who develops, Coronavirus symptoms. To help those on lower incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result, there is now support through a £500 payment. The payment can be paid to those who are in receipt of benefits in England, and should be arranged through your local authority.
  
  The full announcement can be found here.

• Rules On Holding AGMs And Other Meetings – The Government has announced that charitable companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) can continue to hold AGMs and other member meetings virtually until 30th December 2020.
  
  Wherever possible it is still hoped that members will be able to submit their annual returns online. However, if Trustees have an imminent deadline and believe they are likely to miss it you should send an email to filingextension@charitycommission.gov.uk with your charity name and registration number.
  
  Note: temporary laws allowing charitable companies and CIOs to postpone AGMs and other members’ meetings end on 30 September. The Charity Commission advises that these charities can use the advice above.
  
  Full guidance can be found here.

Charity Commission

• Charity Commission Publishes Almshouse Definition – The Almshouse Association is enormously pleased to be able to confirm to our members that The Charity Commission has now publicly recognised our official definition of an almshouse and has added the definition to their Operation Guidance.
  
  After over 2 years of meetings and deliberations, members feedback and rewrites, we consider this a major milestone as we look to grow and develop the almshouse movement. The definition now gives us greater authority to show the unique nature of almshouses, whilst being able to reference official recognition from a government body. 
  It is important to receive this confirmation as we move forward with our discussions with local and national government, ensuring that our members are not hindered in their efforts to support their charities.
  
  The full document on almshouses on the Charity Commission website can be found here. (scroll down the index to almshouses)

Previous Policy and Governance Updates:

Click here for Policy and Governance – July/August 2020 Summary
Click here for Policy and Governance – June 2020 Summary
Click here for Policy and Governance – May 2020 Summary
Click here for Policy and Governance – Apr 2020 Summary
Click here for Policy and Governance – Mar 2020 Summary
Click here for Policy and Governance – Feb 2020 Summary
Click here for Policy and Governance –Jan 2020 Summary
Click here for Policy and Governance – 2019 Summary

Posted 5 October 2020

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The Almshouse Association is enormously pleased to be able to confirm to our members that The Charity Commission has now publicly recognised our official definition of an almshouse and has added the definition to their Operation Guidance.

After over 2 years of meetings and deliberations, members feedback and rewrites, we consider this a major milestone as we look to grow and develop the almshouse movement. The definition now gives us greater authority to show the unique nature of almshouses, whilst being able to reference official recognition from a government body.  

It is important to receive this confirmation as we move forward with our discussions with local and national government, ensuring that our members are not hindered in their efforts to support their charities.

The official definition and description is:

An almshouse is a unit of residential accommodation (usually a house or flat) which belongs to a charity, is provided exclusively to meet the charity’s purposes (for example, the relief of financial need or infirmity) and is occupied or is available for occupation under a licence by a qualified beneficiary.

An almshouse charity is typically a charity which is established for purposes which are to be furthered by the provision of one or more almshouses.

An almshouse charity is usually a charity for the relief of financial hardship by the provision of housing and associated services or benefits which must (or is authorised to) provide its primary benefit by the grant of a licence to occupy the accommodation that it owns to its beneficiaries.

In addition, an almshouse charity is likely to have one or more of the following features:

a. The origin of the charity is a private gift for the relief of poverty;

b. The beneficiaries are required to pay a weekly maintenance contribution that must not be set at a level that would cause hardship;

c. The nature of the accommodation is such that the licence requires that beneficiaries must show particular consideration for the needs of other residents;

d. A significant proportion of the accommodation is permanent endowment;

e. The beneficial class or the geographical area from which it can be drawn is restricted.

The full document on almshouses on the Charity Commision website can be found here. (scroll down the index to almshouses)

Posted 1 October 2020

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Rules on holding AGMs and other meetings

The Government has announced that charitable companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) can continue to hold AGMs and other member meetings virtually until 30^th December 2020. 

Wherever possible it is still hoped that members will be able to submit their annual returns online. However, if Trustees have an imminent deadline and believe they are likely to miss it you should send an email to filingextension@charitycommission.gov.uk with your charity name and registration number.

Note: temporary laws allowing charitable companies and CIOs to postpone AGMs and other members’ meetings end on 30 September. The Charity Commission advises that these charities can use the advice above.

Full guidance can be found here.

Posted 30 Sept 2020

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Almshouse Consortium Limited Press Release

There is great news in the housing world as the Government has announced details of the next Affordable Housing Programme, providing grants to providers of affordable housing, including Almshouse Charities. The new programme will support projects across England from 2021 – 2026.

In a statement by the Housing Minister, Robert Jenrick, plans were unveiled for a new affordable housing programme. This new grant funding is expected to deliver an additional 180,000 affordable homes.

Significantly, the Government announcement makes particular reference to almshouses which builds on the heightened recognition of the understanding and appreciation of the role and uniqueness of almshouses.

Whilst generally the funding is targeted at the construction of new homes, significantly for almshouses the government are offering grant for projects which involve remodelling existing properties.

One route to grant is through the Almshouse Consortium Ltd which has been in operation for 12 years enabling almshouse charities to access grants from Homes England. To date ACL has secured in excess of £20 Million grant funds for almshouses developing new build projects, remodelling or refurbishing existing Almshouses and works closely with The Almshouse Association in support of its aims.

The Almshouse Consortium Ltd holds preferred partner status with Homes England (the Government Agency) for the delivery of schemes under the affordable housing programmes and can help you access grant if you are thinking of bringing a project forward. 

Sean Stafford, Programme Manager at the Almshouse Consortium Ltd explains:

The new funding is very welcome. The scale of funding available is significant; the highest amount for the past few decades. There are clear routes which enable almshouses to access this funding for either building new homes or remodelling existing homes. It will not cover single investment items; say replacement of the heating system but it will contribute to many, many schemes.

Kathy Green, Programme Manager adds:

The Almshouse Consortium has been accessing such grants for 12 years now and has secured over £20Million of grant funding. We would encourage almshouses to contact us to discuss whether there is scope to attract grant to support their ambitions.

The Government will release a timescale for grant requests which for initial applications is likely to be the end of November 2020, although this is yet to be confirmed.

If you have a project which you are considering requesting grant support for would like to get in contact with ACL, their contact details have been listed below:

Sue Holden the Almshouse Consortium Administrator by email to acltabitha@gmail.com or on 07464 021046 

Sean Stafford on sean@saffercooper.com or 07714 255520.

Kathy Green on kathy.green.projects@gmail.com or 07940 590173

Posted 30 Sept 20

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The Government has today announced £12 billion in funding for the Affordable Housing Programme for 2021-2026.

The aim of this fund is to provide 180,000 homes around the country. The Almshouse Association welcomes this funding, which has previously been used to support almshouse charities to grow and develop. We hope to see many more examples of this fund being used to support our members. Further guidance on the specifics of the fund will be published shortly.

After discussions over recent months, The Almshouse Association is particularly pleased to see almshouses specifically mentioned in the Government’s announcement, reiterating the exemption from Right to Buy which almshouses benefit from.

The full Government announcement can be found here.

Posted 8 September 2020

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This year, due to coronavirus restrictions on large gatherings, our 69th Almshouse Association 2020 Annual General Meeting was held by webinar on 1st September 2020.

Please find below the CEO’s AGM Report:

Not to be held back by the current climate we held our 69^th Almshouse Association’s AGM on Tuesday 1st September over Zoom. We were pleased to have 60 people signed up to view and although one or two dropped out it was a good virtual turnout. I won’t repeat the AGM blow by blow as you can watch the video virtually here. Votes were cast before the event and all matters were carried.

Chair, Elizabeth Fathi, thanked all the staff and my fellow board members and confirmed with thanks the re-election of the Board members who put their names forward: Willie Hartley-Russell, John Broughton and Elizabeth Fathi.

Each member for re-election received over 95% of votes in favour. Simon Ling, Honorary treasurer presented his excellent report and the accounts were approved and Auditors were re-appointed.

A special resolution to change the name of The National Association of Almshouses to The Almshouse Association at Company’s House was approved and had one against.

Elizabeth gave a far thinking and inspirational vision for the almshouse movement setting out clearly where the Association and the movement stands in the “sea” of housing options. I have reproduced part of the presentation because I feel it helps set our compass clearly in the right direction.

“A model that has survived for 1000 years can show a maturity and foundation to younger models that depend upon government funding and the political incentives and projects of the day.… Self-sufficient low cost housing held in trust by local people for local people is an impressive model.  Even more so when that housing has been shown to improve residents’ well-being and sense of belonging and community.  The small scale, intimacy of their distinctive built form, may not single-handedly be able to solve the nation’s housing crisis but, in a similar way that a hospice complements the NHS, the almshouse movement complements the governments’ social housing programme.   ……independence from government funding and limited regulation enables it to offer added value to its residents.  A value that cannot be quantified and is held in perpetuity.

From a personal view, however, I see the strength in the future of the movement not just in new 21^st century build but also in new benefactors.  The creation of brand new almshouse charities will do much to spread the word, to help local communities house local people in need and to sustain the model. 

This is not to forget those hard-working trustees of current almshouses, giving their time and care and attention voluntarily day in and day out (often year in and year out possibly even decades in and decades out).  I would like to end today by thanking you, wholeheartedly and on behalf of my fellow board members for the care you give to our 35,000 almshouses across England and Wales.  It is you who provide the foundation upon which we can all champion the movement and take it forward into the centuries to come.

Let us celebrate what we have and what we can do and raise a toast to new and established almshouses …………..”

I thanked the Board, staff and members and although the focus of the AGM was on 2019, I felt it was right recognise how staff, Board and members have responded so positively to the current challenges. I gave a summary of some of the work of the association, where we are moving forward with the strategy and the exciting times ahead particularly in 2021 with the celebration of the associations 75^th year.

You will probably be aware of the Government White Paper – Planning for the Future. This paper sets out far reaching plans to change the planning laws for the country. The key changes that impact almshouse charities are the loss of the current affordable housing fund, Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levey. They will be replaced with a single levy. We are very concerned that almshouses are exempt from the new levy when building new and are considered as proper recipients of the funds. We will be working with key partners, MP’s and Lords to see that almshouses are properly supported under any new planning policy. We will keep you informed.

In closing, sadly, just before starting the AGM we heard the terrible news that our former colleague and friend to so many, Sue Turner, had passed away. Sue was such a passionate supporter of almshouses and had great love for so many of the clerks and trustees she worked with. Sue was such a professional, friendly, kind and efficient a great guide to me and my colleagues. All our thoughts are with Sue’s family and friends.

We will say more as we know it. If anyone would like to send a card we will forward them on from the office in Billingbear.

Nick Phillips CEO

Posted 7 September 2020

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Members who make use of telecare services may be aware that in 2017 BT announced that they would be switching off their long-serving analogue telephone network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) network by 2025, moving to a digital (IP) network.

Although there is still over 4 years before the switchover, it is vital that members are aware of the change and ensure that the necessary changes are made to their service.

The rollout of the service will be gradual on a region by region basis. Members should receive a letter from BT when they region is due to switch, but at the time of writing there is no available timetable for this. BT should also provide additional support for vulnerable residents.

Members may wish to take part in a survey currently being carried out by the Chartered Institute of Housing which is looking into the preparedness of the social housing sector for the switchover.

For further guidance on the switchover please see our article on the switch here.

Posted 7 September 2020

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