The Almshouse Association has received a written response to a question raised by Baroness Eaton during the House of Lords discussion on almshouses on October 20.
During the discussion Baroness Eaton put forward:
“To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to protect and promote small-scale community housing models, such as almshouses, as part of their reforms of the planning system.”
The Government, through Lord Greenhalgh, responded by
saying:
“As part of its contribution to the Loneliness Strategy being led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has commissioned the London School of Economics to undertake research into the benefits of community-led housing in respect of addressing loneliness. The final report of the research is expected in 2021.
We are currently consulting widely on the proposals for reform set out in the Planning White Paper, and we will be listening carefully to all the representations made, including those from organisations representing almshouses. In relation to s106 planning obligations, we are consulting on proposals to replace the existing system of developer contributions with a new Infrastructure Levy, which will deliver at least as much onsite affordable housing as at present.
The upcoming government guidance on producing local design codes will set out more detailed parameters for key elements of successful design, recognising the need for a variety of housing tenures, including community and co-housing schemes, to create diverse, equitable and resilient communities. Further information on this will be published in due course.”
The Almshouse Association welcomes this response and would like to thank Baroness Eaton for assisting us. We look forward to continuing our work with the Government to ensure that almshouses are able to continue offering their vital service.
Posted 3 November 2020