Angela Rayner pledges extra £350m for social house building

The Almshouse Association welcomes the Government’s additional investment of £350 million into the Affordable Homes Programme.

Many of the most vulnerable in our society are struggling to find a home and this, coupled with the increasing cost of living and pressure on public services and council budgets, is pushing many to breaking point. The government would benefit by recognising the vital role of the charity housing sector in alleviating this pressure and helping to support people in housing need.

Click to read the Government’s press release: Thousands to benefit from the security of a safe home – GOV.UK

posted 18 February 2025

Older people’s housing recommendations supported by HAA

We were pleased to see PBC Today’s article on ‘Older people’s housing recommendations supported by the Housing and Ageing Alliance (HAA)’.

The Almshouse Association is on the working party and feeds into the work undertaken by the Alliance which unites individuals from local and national organisations with a shared goal: improving housing and living conditions for older people.

As part of HAA, The Almshouse Association applauds the work the Government are doing to support building more homes across the UK, setting ambitious and measurable objectives outlined in the Plan for Change: Milestones for Mission-Led Government (link).

It is crucial, however, to ensure these initiatives deliver tangible benefits for all members of society and, with the UK’s ageing population growing rapidly, its vital that action is taken immediately. Delays in implementing the Taskforce’s recommendations risk exacerbating pressures on health and social care systems. Such delays affect all family members, who are all too often providing additional support, with significant consequences for their own well-being and quality of life.

The taskforce’s report had four key aspects as recommendations:

“Think housing”

Most people desire to have their own homes for as long as possible. Physical and mental health do not always allow for this, and as these needs change, age-friendly housing can offer a better quality of life. This includes rightsizing to more appropriate housing for the individual or family and releasing underused rooms.

As such, more age-friendly housing will need to be constructed, and homes will need retrofitting to adapt to changing needs. The government has committed to this through increased funding for the ENABLE Build scheme in the recent £3bn support package.

“Address ageing”

While everyone ages, it can be difficult to see ourselves in this way, and making decisions for an aged future can be left until it is too late. The report states: “We tend to see senior citizens as a homogeneous group, despite today’s wide age span, and we need to recognise that growing diversity demands a range of housing options. A one-size-fits-all approach just will not work.”

“Promote wellbeing”

An approach that prioritises prevention is key, and so an environment that is already safe will prevent incidents or degradation that could see the elderly need a hospital, directly benefitting the health system by reducing the patient load as well.

“Create inclusive communities”

Incorporating the community in these processes can reduce feelings of isolation in the elderly, open up discussion of the other three messages, particularly “address ageing,” and enable people to look out for each other, stay active, and thrive in a local community with easy-to-access care and support.

We strongly advocate for the prompt enactment of the Taskforce’s comprehensive recommendations, many of which require minimal investment.

The full open letter can be read below.

joint-HAA-letter-re-OPHTF-140125 (1)Download

posted 10 February 2025

Letter from Westminster: Caroline Nokes MP

19th January 2025 Caroline Nokes Planning and development

In her recent Letter from Westminster, published in the Hampshire Chronicle, The Almshouse Association was pleased to see Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, specifically refer to almshouses and their inclusion in the formal definition of affordable housing.

Full letter below:

Caroline Nokes Letter from Westminster: tackling the failings of housing developers

“I WAS pleased to be able to meet the Minister for Housing and Planning this week to talk to him about a number of issues faced by the Romsey and Southampton North residents.

First and foremost on the agenda was the knotty problem of how to compel developers with extant planning permission to complete developments. Of course my focus was very much on the Brewery Site in Romsey, which all these years on remains a largely undeveloped brownfield eye sore in the heart of our town. Although the revised NPPF indicates there will be measures forthcoming to provide local councils with the power to decline further applications made by developers who fail to build out earlier planning applications in the authority’s area, there remains a question about whether that can include developers with a poor track record of completion in a wider area.

I also raised the ongoing challenges many housing developments have with developers and management companies failing to bring roads and public spaces up to adoptable standards. This means local authorities cannot take over responsibility for the areas and leaves residents having to deal with faceless and sometimes disinterested management companies, who are very hard to hold to account. The Minister is pursuing a range of options as to how this can be resolved, but there need to be minimum standards that developers are resolutely held to, so that Councils are not left picking up the bill for the failures of the large housebuilders.

I am very conscious that Romsey has a number of almshouses, which are much loved and a great model of housing. The Minister is looking closely at how almshouses can be included in the formal definition of affordable housing, which was raised during the NPPF consultation process by The Almshouse Association.

I have always said planning is the most contentious of subjects in this constituency, and it is vital that Ministers understand a one size fits all approach to planning policy cannot reflect the special characteristics of areas like ours. That is why I have no plans to stop badgering the Minister and know that this week I gave him a great deal of food for thought.

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP
Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons
Member of Parliament for Romsey and Southampton North

posted 10 February 2025

Almshouse research takes centre stage at Skinners’, London

The Almshouse Association is expanding its research agenda to further explore the broader charity housing sector, aiming to provide additional compelling evidence of the positive impact of almshouse living on residents and their communities.

This initiative seeks to identify synergies across various charitable housing models, assessing their benefits on residents’ well-being while demonstrating their effectiveness and cost efficiency for the state. The Almshouse Association believes that fostering collaboration across the sector will amplify our collective voice among policymakers, providing a stronger platform for partnership, innovation, and the continued growth of the charitable housing sector.

Last week, our annual research workshop at Skinners’ Hall in London brought together leading academics from institutions such as the University of Bristol, Cardiff University, the University of Suffolk, Oxford University, The Open University, and Universität Liechtenstein.

The event also drew together key figures from the charitable housing sector, including the CEO of Cohousing UK, a founder of Intergenerational England, a representative from an Intentional Living community, the National Housing Federation, as well as prominent housing researchers and policymakers. This gathering served as a catalyst for advancing research, fostering collaboration, and deepening insights into innovative housing solutions.

“The research workshop was an excellent opportunity for people from across the charitable and affordable housing worlds to come together to explore the range of models out there and share best practice. What shone through was the value of partnership working across these different models and how much can be achieved when we share insights and learn lessons from one another.”
Ed Barber, External Affairs Manager, National Housing Federation

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, stated:

“We firmly believe that collaborating with other charitable housing models will help identify the key strengths of community-led housing, reinforcing its role in society. These models not only provide homes but also foster a strong sense of community, enhancing well-being, reducing loneliness and isolation, and delivering proven financial savings for society. The sector is a hub of innovation, offering effective housing solutions, and by working together, we can amplify our message— for most people, wellbeing is linked to being part of a community and we believe that the charity and co-housing sector have the solution to a good life model.”

“The research workshop was a vital opportunity to bring together leaders and innovators from across the housing sector, fostering collaboration and shared learning. It reinforced the importance of integrating different yet complementary housing models: almshouses, co-housing, intergenerational living, and more, to create communities that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to evolving social needs. By working in partnership, we can build housing solutions that not only provide homes but also strengthen connections, wellbeing, and support across generations.”
Charlotte Miller, Co-Founder of Intergenerational England

posted 4 February 2025

Regulator investigates charities over conflict of interest

The Charity Commission has issued the following Press Release which we have thought it appropriate to share with our members as it provides examples of how the Commission will instigate a statutory enquiry into charities where there are concerns about the trustees’ general management as well as management of conflicts of interest.

Regulator investigates charities over conflicts of interest

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry to examine ongoing regulatory concerns regarding the trustees’ management and administration of SOLEV CO LIMITED – 254623 which was established in 1967 with general charitable purposes. The regulator’s primary concerns focus on related-party transactions recorded in the charity’s accounts and whether conflicts of interest have been managed appropriately, particularly given that the trustees were, until recently, all part of the same family. The previous trustees were all closely related. Trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and properly manage any conflicts of interest.

The inquiry will also investigate why the charity has not submitted accounts and annual returns within the statutory timeframe for the past five years and is currently in default with their 2023 and 2024 accounts, which is a legal obligation for trustees.

The Commission has also opened an inquiry into HATZLOCHO LIMITED – 1082076 to examine similar concerns. The charity’s purposes include advancing the Orthodox Jewish faith, and relieving poverty.

Both inquiries will examine the administration, governance and management of the charity, in particular the extent to which:

the trustees have complied with their statutory reporting duties including the submission of the charity’s annual reports and accounts to the Commission
the trustees have acted in accordance with their legal duties, with particular regard to the composition of the trustee board, the management of the charity’s finances, related party transactions and conflicts of interest and/or loyalty
any failings or weaknesses identified in the administration of the charity are a result of misconduct and/or mismanagement by the trustees

The Commission may extend the scope of either inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.

It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were.

posted 4 February 2025

Charity Commission investigating charities

The Charity Commission is investigating charities over repeated failure to submit accounts

We just wanted to inform members that the Charity Commission has issued a statement concerning repeated failure of some charities to submit their annual accounts.

Submitting accounts to the Commission in a timely manner is an important aspect of due governance. We ask that any member charities experiencing difficulties complying with this requirement contact the Association for help and support as soon as possible.

posted 3 February 2025

Free TV Licence Application Process for Pension Credit Recipients

The Almshouse Association has received the below information from the BBC regarding TV licences.

We are writing to inform you about an important change that took effect on Thursday 23rd January 2025.

This regards the application process for free TV Licences for individuals over 75 who are in receipt of Pension Credit.

Most customers will no longer need to provide evidence of their Pension Credit status to qualify for the free TV Licence. We will verify Pension Credit eligibility directly with the Department for Work and Pensions automatically when a customer applies for a free licence online or via the phone. This change to TV Licensing’s processes simplifies the application process and speeds up the processing time, so that applicants get notified of the outcome of their free licence application shortly after applying.

Please Note:

Some customers will still need to provide evidence of their entitlement when matching records with DWP is not possible.
Customers must make sure the name and address provided to TV Licensing matches the records held by DWP.

To watch the BBC pension credit help video that explains how to apply for a free TV Licence if you are eligible, please click here

If members need any help, please contact TV Licencing at 0300 790 6117.

If you are interested in learning more about the support available from TV Licensing, contact the Communications team at tvlstakeholders@bbc.co.uk

Visit the TV Licensing website at tvlicensing.co.uk

posted 3 February 2025

Loan sharks

A member almshouse charity has kindly forwarded the below information about loan sharks that you may wish to share with your residents.

Warning from the England Illegal Money Lending Team (EIMLT) www.stoploansharks.co.uk

The EIMLT said: “A loan shark is someone who lends money illegally and without the proper authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to do so. These criminals are lurking everywhere and they could be a parent in the school playground, a friend of the family, a friend of a friend, a neighbour or someone who you meet on social media or via an app and with the current cost of living crisis, loan sharks are looking for anyone who needs to borrow money.

“They can make the offer of quick cash seem hard to resist but very quickly the situation can spiral out of control, the outstanding debt can escalate rapidly and borrowers can be subjected to threats, violence, intimidation or worse in order to continue paying them.

“The warning signs to indicate that you could be dealing with an illegal money lender or loan shark include:

them not undertaking any credit checks,
not giving borrowers any paperwork or a contract,
refusing to give borrowers any detailed information about the loan and how it’s to be paid back,
not issuing receipts,
taking items such as a bank cards or passports as security against the loan,
taking things from you if you do not pay on time and for example, using threats, intimidation and harassment to pay.”

“The England Illegal Money Lending Team (EIMLT) is a dedicated team of specialists that are leading the fight against loan sharks. They have helped over 32,000 borrowers escape the clutches of these criminals and have wiped out over £90 million worth of illegal debt.

“The borrower is not in trouble if they have taken any money or have been paying back a loan from a loan shark – the loan shark is the only person who has committed a crime.

“If you or someone you know is being affected by illegal money lenders, then contact the Stop Loan Shark team for help, support and advice on 0300 555 2222 (available 24/7/365) or visit their website at www.stoploansharks.co.uk where a Live chat facility is available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday inclusive and all callers can remain anonymous,” said the EIMLT.

If you need to borrow money, then credit unions for example are a safe and ethical option. They’re local, friendly and not-for-profit organisations. Or maybe approach your host charity to enquire if they have grants to assist you buying items you need?

posted 28 January 2025

P&G update: 28.01.25

Latest Policy and Governance news from The Almshouse Association.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

Following the release of the conclusion of the consultation of the NPPF, we can confirm that:

the Government is not minded to amend the definition of “affordable housing” to include almshouses
the Government recognises the case that The Almshouse Association and our members made
the Secretary of State has asked Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to liaise with The Almshouse Association to find a solution
thanks to the many letters and emails of support from members and MPs, the issue is very much on the Minster’s agenda
there were 8 separate references to almshouses in the final Government response
we have agreed an engagement and influence strategy with partners and Nick Phillip will be speaking at various events, leading to a Westminster Round Table workshop with government ministers.

Access the findings below:

NPPF consultation response summary Dec 2024 Download

Consultation of Right to Buy

This issue raised its head again for the third time in six years. The Almshouse Association responded robustly to changes to the exemptions to ‘Right to Buy’ and defended in detail the case for almshouses to remain exempt.

There is a strong sense that the current Government is supporting the continuation of almshouses being exempt from Right to Buy – however we must remain vigilant to changes in this policy area!

Contact with MPs

Over the last few months you (our members) and Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association have met with many MPs who have been very supportive of our proposal to amend the definition of affordable housing in the NPPF. They have tested our case and found we make a sound argument. Many will support our cause over the long term and between us, we will make sure we keep them updated with good news and regularly underpin our clear asks.

With this in mind, Nick met the senior team at Connect, our Government consultant advisors. We have developed a strategic approach to engage Government over the next 12 months – this includes public speaking events, direct meetings and conference engagement.

We have three specific asks of Government and stakeholders:

Amend the NPPF to include almshouses as affordable housing.
Exempt almshouses from Selective Licensing.
Champion the almshouse model within local and national government.

posted 28 January 2025

From Demolition to Renewal

Two new almshouses in Bedworth revitalise Nicholas Chamberlaine’s legacy.

On 6 November 2024, Jane Corrigan, Chairman of the Nicholas Chamberlaine’s Hospital & Sermon Charity welcomed everyone to the opening of the Chapel Street Cottages. She was delighted to announce that the Bedworth Almshouses had been extended for the first time in almost 200 years. A brick built public convenience building that was due for demolition in the centre of the town has been renovated and extended by the Charity that governs the almshouses. There are now two cottages in Chapel Street that will provide modern, warm and comfortable homes for local residents.

Jane thanked the Almshouse Consortium Ltd for all of their work in the preparation of the application to Homes England. She was delighted to report that Homes England had made a significant grant, without which the project would not have been viable. She further thanked the trustees of the Nicholas Chamberlaine’s School Foundation for their generous donation and for assisting with the purchase of the site a few years ago.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council expected the structure to be demolished when it fell into disuse but the Charity was successful in its bid to buy the building and the surrounding land.

Matthew White, Clerk to the Charity said:

“The trustees saw an ideal opportunity to be able to offer homes to elderly people and are delighted with the result. We are especially pleased that the new homes have a walkway that links them to the existing almshouse built in 1840.”

The official opening was conducted by the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth and Charity trustee, Bill Hancox and the Mayoress. The Rector of Bedworth, the Rev. Dave Poultney, who is also a trustee, blessed the building. Architect Jason Brooks of Vagdia and Holmes and Builder Darren Williams of JRoc Construction were also in attendance. Guests included members of the Bedworth Society and Chamberlaine Court Care Home who are neighbours , as well as almshouse staff, residents and trustees. There are plans to complete the landscaping around the site and to provide extensive planting that will soften the area and give a green and pleasant view.

One of the prospective residents said at the opening,

“I absolutely love my new flat. It has a beautifully fitted kitchen and shower room and is just a short walk away from all the facilities in the town. I am looking forward to being part of the almshouse community.”

posted 22 Jan 2025