A summary of the latest UK Government policy changes and news.

Consultation Responses

The Association has recently responded to two government consultations:

1. Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023

This Act aims to introduce a new licensing regime, establish National Supported Housing Standards, and reform aspects of Housing Benefit eligibility for supported housing. The changes will apply to all types of supported exempt accommodation—which includes many almshouses.

• Briefing document
• Consultation submission

There will be another Government consultation before these regulations come into force, which the Association will also prepare a response to.

2. Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes

The Government has recently consulted on its proposals to raise Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030. The proposed changes will significantly raise the energy performance standards required of landlords, including charitable almshouse providers, with new minimum levels linked to updated EPC metrics, higher investment thresholds, and expanded regulatory expectations.

• Briefing document
• Consultation submission

We will update you as soon as we have more information about the Government’s responses and future consultations.

Updated Charity Commission Guidance

The Charity Commission has recently updated several of its guidance pages. These include:

• Finding and appointing new trustees
• Charity Annual Return 2025: question guide
• Trustee board: people and skills
• Charities paying a trustee or a connected person: understand the rules
• Trustee expenses: what charities can pay

There is lots of information on the Charity Commission website for trustees, and more information can be found on The Almshouse Association pages here.

Working Paper on Planning Reform: Reforming Site Thresholds

The Government is committed to getting Britain building again and is publishing a series of planning papers to support this goal.

This document is part of a wider set of working papers on various aspects of planning reform, intended to inform future policy development in collaboration with the sector.

An informal inquiry has been launched, with responses invited by 9 July 2025. Submissions should be made via Citizen Space here.

Boiler Upgrades

The Government are also seeking views on proposed amendments to the existing Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and to certification requirements for BUS and other clean heat schemes.

This consultation closes on 11 June 2025, and responses should be made via Citizen Space here.

Awaab’s Law

In October, the first part of Awaab’s Law (which forms part of the new Renters’ Right Act) will be implemented. While this legislation is enforceable to Registered Providers, it acts as good guidance for all almshouse charities.

Key provisions of Awaab’s Law include:

• Investigation: Landlords must investigate hazards within 14 calendar days of being notified.
• Commencement of repairs: If a hazard poses a significant risk to health or safety, repairs must begin within 7 calendar days of the investigation report.
• Completion of repairs: Repairs must be completed within a “reasonable time period”, depending on the circumstances.
• Emergency repairs: Any emergency repairs must be completed within 24 hours.
• Alternative accommodation: If repairs cannot be completed within the required timeframe and the hazard poses a significant risk, landlords must provide alternative accommodation for tenants.

Alongside this, further information has been published, and more is expected, on improving residents’ experiences in housing accommodation. A new Code of Practice for the remediation of residential buildings has recently been released and is available here.

New Combined Authorities

Four new Combined Authorities have recently been created in England – Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Devon and East Yorkshire. The Government has set a goal of universal coverage of strategic authorities in England in its White Paper on local government devolution, which will see more of these authorities created.

4 June 2025

One million people will take part in Great Big Green Week from 7 to 15 June, making it the UK’s biggest celebration of community action for nature and climate. 

This year’s theme, ‘Let’s Swap Together for Good’, celebrates the power of small changes to nurture stronger communities while safeguarding our planet.

We know how passionately you champion the simple, meaningful act of sharing — whether it’s lending a hand to a neighbour or swapping resources to reduce waste. These everyday gestures help weave greener, more connected neighbourhoods where people and nature thrive side by side.

Across the country, communities will come together at repair cafés, food swaps, community gardens, and climate-friendly gatherings — forging new friendships while making a tangible, positive impact.

By taking part in this inspiring initiative, you’ll be adding your voice to a growing movement calling for bold, collective action on climate and nature. Together, we can shape a future that’s fairer, greener, and brighter for everyone.

Find a local event and be part of something bigger at greatbiggreenweek.com

#GreetBigGreenWeek

posted June 2025

[applicable to Registered Providers and charities that are registered with the Housing Ombudsman only]

Positive Dialogue between The Almshouse Association and the Housing Ombudsman

The Almshouse Association recently met with the Housing Ombudsman to raise our members’ concerns regarding the tone and complexity of recent correspondence. In particular, we highlighted issues with the length and intricacy of required submissions, as well as language that does not align with the charitable nature of the almshouse model.

We are pleased to report that the meeting was constructive. The Ombudsman’s team listened carefully and acknowledged the need to better understand the unique characteristics and language of almshouses. As a result, they are in the process of producing detailed guidance tailored specifically for almshouse charities, which will be made available shortly.

Additionally, we have been assured that any questions regarding submission requirements, including requests for deadline extensions, can be directed to the Housing Ombudsman. They have committed to responding to all such enquiries within five working days. A dedicated contact within the Ombudsman’s office will also be appointed to handle these queries directly.

For any related enquiries, please email: compliance@housing-ombudsman.co.uk

posted 15 May 2025

The Charity Commission has refreshed its guidance on recruiting trustees (CC30).

The guidance redesign comes after the regulator’s research, with think tank and social sector research organisation Pro Bono Economics, revealed just 6% of trustees applied for their role via an advert. The report published last month indicated that more than half of charities relied on personal contacts to recruit new trustees.

The regulator is encouraging charities to use the guidance to help improve their recruitment and induction practices. The refreshed guidance focuses on practical steps charities can take to connect with a broader range of candidates, and to identify and remove barriers that may put people off applying for the role. The guidance also suggests considering a skills audit to test what the charity needs from its trustees.

The refreshed guidance encourages charities to write and keep under review their trustee role description and to distinguish between what is required and what can be learnt in the role. It highlights ways to reach more candidates such as posting ads via social media or using organisations that offer trustee finder services. It signposts a range of free resources to help charities reach as many people as possible but is clear that charities can also pay for trustee recruitment services.

The regulator has expanded the induction section of its guidance to help charities not only recruit successfully to the role but also retain new trustees. It encourages charities to discuss with each new trustee what information and learning they need to become an effective trustee, and how to support them with this, setting out a range of approaches.

As the recent research revealed, one in three trustees (29%) are asked to join their board by the chair and one in four are asked by another board member. Recruiting within known circles can contribute to identifying good candidates but limits the field, and difficulties can arise when boards have several personal connections. The guidance highlights how having a group of trustees who have the right mix of technical skills, knowledge of the sector the charity works in, community connections and first-hand experiences can create well-rounded boards and promote strong governance at charities.

Mazeda Alam, Head of Trustee Guidance at the Charity Commission said:

“It is fantastic that so many trustees recommend the role to others, and we know for some it is an essential way to fill vacancies.
“However, we want our refreshed guidance to get trustees thinking about how they can broaden their reach when recruiting to their board. Small changes like writing your trustee role description differently or re-considering what skills are really essential, could widen the net and land you a valuable, new addition – taking your board from strength to strength.
“Our casework has shown that it can be difficult to instil essential governance processes when there are multiple personal ties on a board. We’re also aware that some charities may not have the minimum number of trustees required by their governing document. We want our guidance to support trustees to avoid these risks and help open up trusteeship to all.”

The full guidance can be found here.

posted 14 May 2025

MAY 2025: A summary of the latest UK Government policy changes and news.

1.   Local Elections on 1 May 2025

A reminder that there are local elections across the country on 1 May. There are 1,641 council seats across 24 local authorities up for grabs. All seats on 14 county councils and eight unitary authorities in England will be also up for election.

Many of these positions are responsible for local services – including housing, planning and social care.

Fewer people vote in local elections than general elections, but this does not make them any less important – decisions affecting your almshouse may be made by your local county council. Remember to vote!

Following the passage of the Elections Act 2022, the local elections on 1 May will take place with mandatory voter identification (ID). Voters will need to show an acceptable form of photographic ID, as listed on the Electoral Commission website.

2. Awaab’s Law (Social Housing Regulation Act 2023)

Awaab’s law – part of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 – will begin to be rolled out in October 2025, and we recommend starting preparations now. Although the Act refers to tenants and landlords and to Registered Providers only, we believe it is best practice to adhere to the standards set.

From October 2025, social landlords will be required to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants within fixed timescales. Additionally, they must repair emergency hazards, including those related to damp and mould, within 24 hours.

In 2026, these requirements will apply to a wider range of hazards, which have not yet been fully determined by the government.

3. Consultations

There are a number of consultations currently available that members might be interested in.

• The SORP-making body has today launched its public consultation on the Exposure Draft SORP. The page also has steps charities should take to prepare for the new updates. We recommend if members are concerned they should speak to their accountants to make sure they are ready for the upcoming changes. For more information on these changes click here.

Deadline 20 June 2025.

• Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales – 2025 update. The government is seeking views on proposals to raise minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030.

Deadline 2 May 2025

• If you are a registered Supported Housing Provider or Exempt please do consider either responding directly or via the Association to the consultation on the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.

Deadline 15 May 2025

The Almshouse Association is currently preparing responses to these consultations and will share our submissions with members in due course.

4. Engagement with MPs

We’re pleased to report that there has been some encouraging engagement with MPs in recent weeks. Thanks to your efforts, several important questions have been raised in Parliament on behalf of almshouse charities. This is a significant step in ensuring our concerns and priorities are heard at the national level.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has taken the time to write to or email their MP. Your advocacy is making a real difference, helping to raise awareness and build support for the invaluable work almshouses do in communities across the country.

posted 30 April 2025

• Housing Ombudsman Complaints Handling Code

NOTE: Applicable only to Registered Providers/Housing Ombudsman Members

The Almshouse Association understands that the Housing Ombudsman (HO) has sent an email to their members informing them that there has been a change in the submission date for year 2, which will mean that most members will not have to provide their year 2 annual submission until 6 months after their financial year end instead of 3 months.

Below is the email that has been sent to members today along with links to all the additional new guidance.

NOTE: A meeting is due to take place between The Almshouse Association and the HO at the end of this month when we will be discussing ways in which the whole process can be made simpler and more proportionate for our member almshouse charities.

posted 30 April 2025

Wednesday 14th May at 10.30 am

The Almshouse Association is delighted to welcome Almshouse Association Panel Consultant, Lisa Watson-Cook (Partner) Rachel Gimson (Partner) & Nicole Ridgwell (Partner) from Lester Aldridge LLP. They will be hosting a free webinar on the topic of Independent Living and will be covering:

• Residents not wishing to give up their almshouse
• Lack of understanding on the part of local authorities about charities not providing care
• Hospitals discharging residents despite care not being available at the almshouse
• Relying on wardens & family members for care

You will have the opportunity at the end of the webinar to ask Lisa, Rachel & Nicole any questions on this topic.

To register for this webinar please click on the below link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Nfm0ohpFT9-xpR9dzQM4fg

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

posted 17 April 2024

As part of our ongoing government engagement strategy, we have spent the past year cultivating meaningful relationships with Members of Parliament. We are, therefore, delighted to share that our efforts have culminated in the publication of an article in The House Magazine February 2025 issue.

Established in 1976, The House occupies a unique and respected position within Westminster as Parliament’s own magazine. With contributions from award-winning journalists, leading policy experts, and parliamentarians themselves, and guided by a cross-party advisory board of MPs and Peers – it stands as the publication most intimately connected to the heart of British political power.

See below to read the article.

posted 16 April 2025