Almshouse Association Response to the Energy White Paper

The Almshouse Association welcomes all efforts to create a greener, more energy efficient society. To safeguard our future we must take on this task with the strongest will and determination. The Energy White Paper forms an initial part of this effort, but it does not provide enough information to reassure many of our members.

Many of our members are investing in new, green improvements to their properties through schemes such as the Green Homes Grant. This support will be vital in ensuring members can take that first step towards more energy efficient almshouses. However, the size of the task at hand is of such scale that this grant alone will not suffice in the long term.

Due to the historic nature of almshouses, a large proportion of our members across the country oversee listed buildings. Improvements to these buildings requires a high level of skill to maintain the integrity of the building. This skill comes with a high cost, a cost which many charitable providers of housing just cannot afford.

The Almshouse Association is ambitious to see a green revolution across the almshouse movement, not only because it is good for the planet, but because it will improve the lives of almshouses residents. Improved energy efficiency will not only reduce costs but will also improve the comfort and health of residents. However, we cannot achieve these improvements alone and so we need further clarification from the Government on additional unique support which can be provided to almshouses.  

This could include:

  • Targeted funding for historic and listed buildings through trusted, registered providers who can bring these buildings into the 21st Century, whilst respecting the building’s natural heritage
  • Longer deadlines to become EPC compliant as many would struggle to bring themselves into line with an EPC C by 2035 without other interventions
  • Exemptions to continue for buildings which have proven attempts to improve energy efficiency. Currently, if ÂŁ3,000 is invested in energy improvements and the EPC is still below requirements, an exemption is granted. If alternative support cannot be provided then some would have no choice but to seek an exemption.

We look forward to working with the Government on these proposals so that almshouse charities can be clear as to their role in our greener future.

Members may wish to view the full White Paper here.

If you have any thoughts on the proposals then please email Jack Baldan at jackbaldan@almshouses.org

Posted 15 December 20