Regulator investigates charities over conflict of interest

The Charity Commission has issued the following Press Release which we have thought it appropriate to share with our members as it provides examples of how the Commission will instigate a statutory enquiry into charities where there are concerns about the trustees’ general management as well as management of conflicts of interest.     

Regulator investigates charities over conflicts of interest

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry to examine ongoing regulatory concerns regarding the trustees’ management and administration of SOLEV CO LIMITED – 254623 which was established in 1967 with general charitable purposes. The regulator’s primary concerns focus on related-party transactions recorded in the charity’s accounts and whether conflicts of interest have been managed appropriately, particularly given that the trustees were, until recently, all part of the same family. The previous trustees were all closely related.  Trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and properly manage any conflicts of interest.

The inquiry will also investigate why the charity has not submitted accounts and annual returns within the statutory timeframe for the past five years and is currently in default with their 2023 and 2024 accounts, which is a legal obligation for trustees.

The Commission has also opened an inquiry into HATZLOCHO LIMITED – 1082076 to examine similar concerns. The charity’s purposes include advancing the Orthodox Jewish faith, and relieving poverty.

Both inquiries will examine the administration, governance and management of the charity, in particular the extent to which:

  • the trustees have complied with their statutory reporting duties including the submission of the charity’s annual reports and accounts to the Commission
  • the trustees have acted in accordance with their legal duties, with particular regard to the composition of the trustee board, the management of the charity’s finances, related party transactions and conflicts of interest and/or loyalty
  • any failings or weaknesses identified in the administration of the charity are a result of misconduct and/or mismanagement by the trustees

The Commission may extend the scope of either inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.

It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were.  

posted 4 February 2025

Charity Commission investigating charities

The Charity Commission is investigating charities over repeated failure to submit accounts

We just wanted to inform members that the Charity Commission has issued a statement concerning repeated failure of some charities to submit their annual accounts.

Submitting accounts to the Commission in a timely manner is an important aspect of due governance. We ask that any member charities experiencing difficulties complying with this requirement contact the Association for help and support as soon as possible.

posted 3 February 2025

Free TV Licence Application Process for Pension Credit Recipients

The Almshouse Association has received the below information from the BBC regarding TV licences.

We are writing to inform you about an important change that took effect on Thursday 23rd January 2025.

This regards the application process for free TV Licences for individuals over 75 who are in receipt of Pension Credit.

Most customers will no longer need to provide evidence of their Pension Credit status to qualify for the free TV Licence. We will verify Pension Credit eligibility directly with the Department for Work and Pensions automatically when a customer applies for a free licence online or via the phone. This change to TV Licensing’s processes simplifies the application process and speeds up the processing time, so that applicants get notified of the outcome of their free licence application shortly after applying.

Please Note:

  • Some customers will still need to provide evidence of their entitlement when matching records with DWP is not possible.
  • Customers must make sure the name and address provided to TV Licensing matches the records held by DWP.

To watch the BBC pension credit help video that explains how to apply for a free TV Licence if you are eligible, please click here

If members need any help, please contact TV Licencing at 0300 790 6117.

If you are interested in learning more about the support available from TV Licensing, contact the Communications team at tvlstakeholders@bbc.co.uk

Visit the TV Licensing website at tvlicensing.co.uk

posted 3 February 2025

P&G update: 28.01.25

Latest Policy and Governance news from The Almshouse Association.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

Following the release of the conclusion of the consultation of the NPPF, we can confirm that:

  • the Government is not minded to amend the definition of “affordable housing” to include almshouses
  • the Government recognises the case that The Almshouse Association and our members made
  • the Secretary of State has asked Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to liaise with The Almshouse Association to find a solution 
  • thanks to the many letters and emails of support from members and MPs, the issue is very much on the Minster’s agenda
  • there were 8 separate references to almshouses in the final Government response
  • we have agreed an engagement and influence strategy with partners and Nick Phillip will be speaking at various events, leading to a Westminster Round Table workshop with government ministers.

Access the findings below:

NPPF consultation response summary Dec 2024Download

Consultation of Right to Buy

This issue raised its head again for the third time in six years. The Almshouse Association responded robustly to changes to the exemptions to ‘Right to Buy’ and defended in detail the case for almshouses to remain exempt.

There is a strong sense that the current Government is supporting the continuation of almshouses being exempt from Right to Buy – however we must remain vigilant to changes in this policy area!

Contact with MPs

Over the last few months you (our members) and Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association have met with many MPs who have been very supportive of our proposal to amend the definition of affordable housing in the NPPF. They have tested our case and found we make a sound argument. Many will support our cause over the long term and between us, we will make sure we keep them updated with good news and regularly underpin our clear asks.

With this in mind, Nick met the senior team at Connect, our Government consultant advisors. We have developed a strategic approach to engage Government over the next 12 months – this includes public speaking events, direct meetings and conference engagement.

We have three specific asks of Government and stakeholders:

  • Amend the NPPF to include almshouses as affordable housing.
  • Exempt almshouses from Selective Licensing.
  • Champion the almshouse model within local and national government.

posted 28 January 2025

Christmas Legacy: gifts to 693 residents

Each Christmas, The Almshouse Association takes great joy in sending gift vouchers to almshouse residents aged 90 and above, a tradition made possible by a legacy left to the Association over 70 years ago.

In Christmas 2024, we distributed 693 gifts – our highest number to date! This milestone highlights the enduring power of a thoughtfully invested gift in a Will and the remarkable benefits of almshouse living, with a growing number of residents in their 90s and 100s enjoying longer, happy lives.

[photos above: Festive Whiteley Village CEO, Rachel Hill, hand delivers some of The Almshouse Association Christmas gifts to their residents]

Mrs Meadows, resident, Eleanor Palmer Trust

Resident, Cambridge Royal Albert Homes
Joy, resident and her neighbour Ellen, Le Personne Homes

Mr and Mrs Dummer, residents, Eleanor Palmer Trust
Resident, Cambridge Royal Albert Homes

Mr Gransby, resident, Eleanor Palmer Trust
Mrs Lawton, resident, Eleanor Palmer Trust

Resident, Walton Charity

The Almshouse Association Christmas Fund traces its roots to a generous legacy left over 70 years ago by Major Allnatt, a successful businessman and philanthropist. Major Allnatt worked closely with Leonard Hackett, the Association’s founding General Secretary, and was deeply committed to supporting its mission.

He expressed a heartfelt wish for a small gift to be given to almshouse residents on Christmas Eve and chose to remain anonymous during his lifetime, until his passing in 1969.

The Almshouse Association carefully invested the funds he provided, enabling us to honour his name and legacy each year. Today, this takes the form of a gift voucher, sent to almshouse charities for their eligible residents to enjoy during the festive season.

Resident, Walton Charity

Evelyn, resident, St Johns Winchester

Resident, Cambridge Royal Albert Homes
Peggy, resident, Chubbs Almshouses
Mrs Bodger, resident, Eleanor Palmer Trust
Pat, resident, Fetcham United Charities
Mrs Moorhouse, resident, Eleanor Palmer Trust
Resident, Davenport Homes
Resident, Davenport Homes
Resident, Davenport Homes
Resident, Davenport Homes
Margaret, Resident, Louisa Lilley Almshouses

A heartfelt thank you to all the clerks and trustees of almshouse charities for ensuring these special gifts reach residents on time. We also deeply appreciate you capturing and sharing the memorable moments.

Please keep the photos coming – receiving them is them is always a highlight of our day here at the Association!

posted January 2025

See also: Festive fun at Member Charities:

Association’s Section 106 campaign

The Almshouse Association continues to apply pressure to the Government to have almshouses recognised as affordable housing so that S106 funds can be made available to all almshouse charities to build more homes for people in need.

CEO of The Almshouse Association, Nick Phillips and PR & Engagement Manager, Gerry Harmon recently met with our engagement partners, Connect to discuss our political strategy and advance efforts to inform MPs about the value of almshouses.

Beyond addressing the critical need for affordable housing, research highlights the broader benefits of almshouses: community living enhances residents’ quality of life and reduces their reliance on medical services. Additionally, most almshouses are managed by volunteers, creating further cost savings for the Government.

Encouragingly, increasing numbers of MPs in Westminster are lending their support to the campaign. Among them is Labour MP Neil Coyle, whom we thank for raising the issue in Parliament once again. His efforts prompted a response from Matthew Pennycook:

“As part of the recent consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, the government sought views on whether changes were needed to the definition of ‘affordable housing for rent’ to make it easier for organisations that are not Registered Providers, including almshouses, to develop new affordable homes.

While the government are committed to making it easier for almshouses to develop new affordable homes, we ultimately decided against extending the definition to capture almshouses for the reasons set out in our response to the consultation which can be found on gov.uk here.

Informed by the points raised in the consultation, the government will actively explore options in future changes to national policy related to decision making.

For those landlords who wish to register with the Regulator of Social Housing, there is no bar to registration because of size. Registered providers of social housing must meet standards that ensure tenants live in homes that are good quality and well-maintained and that landlords are well-managed and remain financially viable. The Regulator is operationally independent and has designed a registration process that seeks to ensure providers are able to meet its standards once registered.“

OUR NEXT STEPS

The Almshouse Association has now agreed a programme of communication and engagement with MPs and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Our asks include:

  • Including almshouse charities in the definition of affordable housing without the requirement to become Regulated Housing Providers.
  • Exempting almshouses from the Selective Licensing charges.
  • Working with The Almshouse Association to recognise a Code of Conduct that is appropriate to the almshouse model.

We will be inviting The Charity Commission/MHCLG/Regulator and others to a round table event in Westminster. Date TBC.

We encourage all members to keep reaching out to their local MPs, whether by inviting them to events or arranging a brief visit to meet trustees and enjoy a cup of tea with residents.

posted 9 January 2025

CEO Guest Speaker at Weavers Charter Dinner

Worshipful Company of Weavers Charter Dinner

In December 2024, Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, had the honour of serving as a guest speaker at the Worshipful Company of Weavers’ Charter Dinner. The event celebrated and reflected on the charitable initiatives carried out by London’s livery companies.

Other speakers included David Chalk, Sheriff of the City of London, who joined the Drapers’ Company in 1982 becoming a Liveryman in 1986 and elected to the Court in 2008, and Rebecca Ridley, Upper Bailiff at Weavers.

Nick delivered a passionate speech on the transformative impact almshouses have on residents’ lives and emphasised the crucial role livery companies play in sustaining and advancing this invaluable charitable model.

The term “livery” comes from the special dress worn by retainers of a nobleman. A livery company is a type of guild or professional association that originated in medieval times in London. Livery companies comprise London’s ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled the “Worshipful Company of” their craft, trade or profession. 

Livery companies evolved from London’s medieval guilds, becoming corporations by royal charter responsible for training in their trades, as well as for the regulation of aspects such as wage control, labour conditions and industry standards.

From their inception, livery companies cared for their members in sickness and old age by the giving of alms. Today, they continue to support both their members, and wider charitable aims and activities such as education and training. Numerous educational establishments in England were founded by and retain association with livery companies, among the best-known being the Haberdashers’, Merchant Taylors’ and Skinners’ schools.

Most livery companies also maintain proud affiliations with regular and reserve units of the British Armed Forces, providing links between civilian and military life.

There are 111 livery companies in total. They play a significant part in the life of the City of London (i.e. the financial district and historic heart of the capital), not least by providing charitable-giving and networking opportunities. Liverymen retain voting rights for the senior civic offices, such as the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Common Council of the City Corporation, London’s ancient municipal authority with extensive local government powers.

The Worshipful Company of Weavers is the most ancient of the Livery Companies in the City of London. It existed in the year 1130, and was perhaps formed earlier. The company received a Royal Charter in 1155.

At present, the Company retains a connection to textiles through its contributions to the textile industry. It has, however, like most other Livery Companies, evolved into a charitable institution rather than remaining a trade association. The Company ranks forty-second in the order of precedence of the Livery Companies. Its motto is Weave Truth With Trust.

6 January 2025

Housing Ombudsman Annual Submission Toolkit 2024-25

The Almshouse Association has now received a Toolkit from the Housing Ombudsman’s Office to assist with the completion of the 2024-25 annual submission. The toolkit is intended for:

  • those members that are Registered Providers,
    and
  • those that have registered with the Housing Ombudsman voluntarily to assist with the completion of annual submissions.

The Toolkit comprises a number of separate documents as listed below:

0. Toolkit front page and contents – link
1. Guidance on Submissions – link
2. The Almshouse Association Complaints Model Policy for Registered Providers/Housing Ombudsman Members – link
3. Example of completed self assessment – link
4. Example of Annual Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report – link
5. Addition support material – link
5a. MRC role expectations – link
5b. HOS Guidance Remedies – link
6. Visual guide to completing electronic submission form – link
7. Trouble shooting guidance – link
8. MRC leaflet – link

Christmas message from CEO

CEO Christmas message and office opening times

The Spirit of Christmas: A Heartfelt Welcome at the ‘Inn‘

I am, and hope always will be, a huge fan of Christmas. The twinkling lights and the warmth of friendship is heartening but is nothing without some connection to the essence of  the Christmas  story – a story of, in many ways, overcoming enforced travel from a safe home to an unknown future.

The Seven Works of Mercy were the foundation spirit of the almshouse movement: feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead, and provide shelter for the homeless.

These foundational values gave rise to the concept of almshouses, originally established as ‘hospitals’ (rooted in the tradition of hospitality). For over one thousand years, they have served as sanctuaries for those in need of shelter and they continue to fulfil that vital role today.

Almshouses provide not just a warm, safe and secure home, but also a sense of belonging within a community. For those navigating difficult times, they can offer a tranquil place where hope can flourish.

Many residents have faced unplanned enforced journeys through financial pressure or the challenges of homelessness with the structures they relied on disappearing before their eyes, leaving them vulnerable and anxious. For many it is a world of uncertain fearful journeys and in the winter it is so much worse somehow; the dark cold evenings leave many in need of stability and warmth which almshouses provide.

OFFICE OPENING TIMES

Christmas Eve
normal working hours
~
Christmas Day – New Year’s Day
Office is closed
~
Thursday 2 January 2025
normal working hours

Given the proven benefits of almshouses; the substantial savings in financial and social care costs; the positive impact on health and well-being; their demand far surpassing supply, one must ask, “why more are not being built?”

The need for almshouses extends far beyond the UK; they could offer much-needed refuge and warmth across the globe. In the Middle East I know of one almshouse that, if it still stands amidst the chaos, provides food and shelter to homeless children every day. This almshouse embodies the spirit of the Seven Works of Mercy and, tragically, may now find itself delivering on most of them. Yet, it probably remains just a solitary beacon in a hundred-square-mile expanse of devastation.

Christmas magnifies the importance of having a warm, safe and welcoming home. It’s a time when the absence of this can feel stark and brutal. Within their walls, almshouses offer to those who may have faced life’s toughest challenges, meaningful connections and nurture hope for the future.

For many older people this is often the case, but imagine a young person leaving the care system and entering adulthood with limited resources or support. For them, an almshouse could offer stability and a structured environment where they could develop life skills, gain independence and build confidence. For a single parent struggling to balance the needs of their child with the weight of financial insecurity, an almshouse could become a sanctuary providing a community and a breathing space. For refugees fleeing unimaginable hardship, these spaces could offer a chance to start again.

I feel very fortunate to be involved in the almshouse movement with such dedicated people around me. I am very aware almshouses cannot solve the chaos of the world or resolve every challenge in a person’s life, but I think another 10,000 almshouses in the UK would be a good starting point and goodness knows how many would be needed elsewhere in the world to do the same.

When we think of an ‘Inn’ on a cold winter’s night, we picture a haven of warmth and welcome. While almshouses are not ‘Inns’, they embody much of the same spirit. I am unwavering in my mission to champion the creation of many more of these exceptional homes or “Inns.” My hope is that philanthropists worldwide will be inspired to join our cause and the transformative impact almshouses have on the lives of their residents.

Have a warm and peaceful Christmas and thank you for all you do to keep the fabric and spirit of a warm welcome for residents.

Nick Phillips
CEO | The Almshouse Association

UPDATE: Housing Ombudsman Toolkit

UPDATE to news item posted on 18 November 2024 : The Housing Ombudsman-Toolkit

We have been informed by the Housing Ombudsman’s Office that they have been delayed in producing the toolkit for those of our members registered with them, which they now hope to forward to us in the week commencing 15th December.

They have also advised us that they will be contacting those members who are awaiting the toolkit and currently have extensions with them, advising them that they will be granting a further extension to 31 January 2025.

In the meantime members are able to contact the Ombudsman at compliance@housing-ombudsman.org.uk and an extension can be arranged.

posted 16 December 2024