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