Dear Members
The general election for the next Government will soon be over and we want to take advantage of the enthusiasm of new MPs to set certain records straight, to make inroads in the affordable housing shortage and show they are leading change in the affordable housing world.
I would like to take this opportunity to try and correct the planning guidance definition of affordable housing and see almshouses recognised in the NPPF as affordable housing. This change would have a number of specific benefits to the almshouse charities over the coming decades.
- It will allow local councils to use Section 106 (or its equivalent) money to help almshouses expand ā€“ particularly on small sites.
- It would exempt almshouse charities from being charged the S106 levy (unbelievable but it is happening!)
- It would allow local almshouses to take advantage of the Rural Exception Scheme
- and it would go some way to help enable Homes England to fund almshouses to build new homes without the need to be Registered Providers.
We may have to offer further levels of assurance to the Government but at this stage we want to get almshouses back on the Government agenda – early.
Can you help?
Could you consider engaging your newly elected MP by making contact and letting them know that almshouses are not only part of the affordable housing solution but a very valuable and unique community housing model that would benefit from appropriate support?
I have composed a suggested letter, but please amend or change as you see fit.
Thank you for your help and lets see if we can get this change through in this parliament.
Best regards
Nick Phillips – CEO
posted 4 July 2024