Following a concerted campaign by The Almshouse Association and with help from individual members, the Government has agreed to include existing almshouse buildings in the Exempt class of the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014.
The Government agreed with the Association’s argument that it would not be cost-effective to install metering devices and bill based on consumption.
This news is also important for the continued wider almshouse movement as it is the first time that the official definition of almshouses has been referenced in an official government document and noted in legislation. This marks a major milestone in our journey of promoting almshouses in the 21st Century.
Exempt Class includes:
“An existing building where the building (or part of the building) is supported social housing, almshouse accommodation, or purpose-built student accommodation.”
As a consequence there is
“No requirement to install metering devices for customers (no assessment of technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness is required as the outcome is expected to be negative)”.
In addition the mandatory billing requirements will not apply.
However, if an almshouse charity is building new almshouses they will fall into the Open Class. Buildings in the Open class must have meters or heat cost allocators installed unless it is assessed not to be technically feasible or cost-effective.
The regulations come into force on 27 November 2020
Note: The other aspects of the regulations still apply and almshouse charities will still need to notify their Heat Networks under Regulation 3 which states that:
“A heat supplier must submit an updated notification within four years of the date of the first notification submitted and within every four year period thereafter from the date of the previous notification.”
Many members will already be aware of and abide by this regulation.
The Government’s response to their consultation, including the recommended amendments, can be found here.
Full guidance on the regulations can be found here.
Posted 16 November 2020. Updated 23 November 20