Supported Housing has recently written an article on how and why it may be beneficial for members to claim enhanced Housing Benefit for Intensive Housing Management (also known as enhanced housing management and/or additional housing management). 

The guidance refers to traditional rent/service charges, but the rules are still applicable to almshouses.

What is Enhanced Housing Benefit and Intensive Housing Management?

Intensive Housing Management tasks are normally associated with the work of a Support Worker or Scheme Manger, but there is no definitive list. Functions could include:

“Housing management functions such as lettings, assistance with claiming Housing Benefit to ensure that rent and service charges are paid, controlling access and facilitating and monitoring site visits from contractors and other visitors/professionals, arranging aids and adaptations, health and safety and risk assessments of property, management, administration, delivery and facilitation of housing services provided, the additional maintenance and services costs.”

As long as these tasks are not funded by any other revenue stream they can be funded by Housing Benefit.  Furthermore, if you are a registered provider of social housing and you charge Intensive Housing Management as a service charge, the local authority can reclaim the full cost back from the government. In this scenario, you are not only helping your own charity financially, but you would also be contributing to your local area.

The key points of the article are:

  • Enhanced Housing Benefit is payable to providers of supported and sheltered housing if they comply with Exempt Accommodation rules.
  • You can get the full cost recovery on your housing costs
  • Choosing this method could free up funds to invest in your almshouses and staff

The Almshouse Association offers a template letter and a non-exhaustive list of services to members wishing to apply for Exempt Accommodation Status.  This can be found at https://www.almshouses.org/model-policies-and-templates/ Alternatively, you may choose to use the service offered by Supported Housing, however if you are eligible for Enhanced Housing Benefit, you will incur a charge for the assistance.  

14 July 2020