Not to be held back by the current climate we held our 69th 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 21st 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 75th 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