Govt responds to almshouse question in House of Lords

Government Minister Lord Greenhalgh has responded to a question on almshouses raised by Almshouse Association Ambassador Baroness Joan Bakewell.

In his response Lord Greenhalgh noted:

“The definition of ‘Affordable Housing for Rent’ in the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework requires in most cases that the landlord of the accommodation will be a registered provider of social housing – that is to say, registered with the Regulator of Social Housing…Local planning authorities are free to decide that almshouse accommodation, rather than affordable housing, is a more appropriate form of accommodation to require through planning obligations.”

The definition of affordable housing in line with the National Planning Policy Framework is an issue which the Association is working to change. We believe that the definition has a detrimental effect on smaller almshouse charities who may like to expand, but do not want to go through the arduous registration process.

We thank Baroness Bakewell again for raising the question and for her continued support of our work.

Posted 15 February 21