The Almshouse Association has recently held discussions with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Ofgem regarding the eligibility of almshouse dwellings for the new Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
The scheme will provide āgrants to encourage property owners to install low carbon heating systems such as heat pumpsā. This includes:
- Ā£5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
- Ā£5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler
- Ā£6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump
This support would offer significant support to charities who may be considering installing some of these measures. However, the eligibility of almshouses is not clear as the broader category of social housing ā defined as ālow-cost rental accommodation ā is not eligible. The Almshouse Association has challenged this definition as almshouses do not provide ārentalā accommodation.
Unfortunately, neither body has provided clear guidance beyond this point and have instead suggested that they would judge each application on a case-by-case basis. We would encourage members to apply for the scheme and to inform the Association of the outcome.
Details on the scheme can be found here.
Posted 18 July 22