P&G update: 22.08.22

The Almshouse Association regularly posts a news summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact / requires action from our member charities, with links to further information where applicable. Please find below our latest summary:

Government

THE ALMSHOUSE ASSOCIATION SECURES ACCESS FOR ALL ALMSHOUSES CHARITIES TO £800M DECARBONISATION FUND

Following extensive discussions, The Almshouse Association is pleased to announce that the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) will now be open to all almshouse charities.

The fund is due to re-open this Autumn with £800m in funding to help raise as many properties as possible to EPC Band C. In total, the fund will provide £3.8 billion over a ten-year period. Previously, the fund was restricted to Registered Providers of Social Housing, but after continued engagement with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Association was able to achieve changes to the next round of funding to allow registered charities that own social housing to bid directly into the fund. This marks the most significant funding currently available for retrofit projects that is available to almshouse charities.

To bid for funding the project must meet the funds eligibility criteria which includes:

A minimum of 100 eligible properties at EPC band D-G (Note: If you have less than 100 dwellings you will need to join a consortium with other charities, your local authority, or a housing association)
Properties must reach EPC band C or D where this is not possible on band F/G properties
Bidders must be able to co-fund 50% of total eligible costs

The Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator is backed by Government and has been established to help guide applicants through the bidding process. If you are interested in bidding, the Accelerator will be able to offer the best advice on how to create a successful bid. More details can be found here.

The fund is next due to open this Autumn 2022, although, the announcement may have come too late for many members to create a suitable bid. There will, however, be further opportunity to bid as the fund is due to reopen subsequently. Full guidance on the fund can be found here.

Consultation opens on proposed changes to Statistical Data Return (SDR) – Members who are Registered Providers of Social Housing will be aware of the requirement to submit data as part of the Statistical Data Return through the NROSH+ system.
From 2023, the Regulator of Social Housing is proposing to amend the questions asked as part of the return and is seeking feedback from Registered Providers on these changes.
The consultation is open until 9^th September. Full details can be found here.

Government starts naming and shaming failing landlords – The government has started publishing the name of all the landlords who have received severe maladministration findings from the Housing Ombudsman Service. The full list can be found here.
This serves as a good reminder for members who are also part of the Housing Ombudsman to review their practices to ensure they are in line with the requirements of the Ombudsman.
If you have any concerns, please contact The Almshouse Association for support.

The Charity Commission

Changes to Charity Commission Communication – The Charity Commission is looking to be more proactive with its engagement with trustees in the future. To make this a reality, they will be asking all charity contacts to set up new, individual Charity Commission accounts to access services such as filing an annual return or changing a governing document. They will also be asking charities to update information on what they do, who they help and where they work.

More information can be found in the Commission’s newsletter here.

Commission clarifies bullying and harassment roles and responsibilities – The Charity Commission has clarified respective responsibilities in preventing and responding to incidents of bullying and harassment in charities.

In its clarification it has outlined the role of trustees and when the Commission will intervene in matters arising. Full details can be found here.

Miscellaneous

Funding available for tree planting – The Tree Council has opened its Branching Out Fund for applications. Grants of £200 – £2000 are on offer for projects to plant trees, hedges and orchards with a strong community involvement, ideally involving children and/or young people.

Full details can be found here.

RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

Posted 22 August 22

Blue Plaque for Marlborough Almshouses

Blue Plaque commemorating life of Duchess of Marlborough

written by: Laura Bell
Published: 11:34 AM August 8, 2022

[photo: Marlborough Almshouses in Hatfield Road. – Credit: Google]

Back in February 22, we picked up the story published by the Herts Advertiser which showcased the amazing legacy left by local Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. The article also lamented the lack of public recognition for her achievements, so it was wonderful to read their next instalment published on 8th August 2022….

“A Blue Plaque celebrating the life of courtier, politician and local landowner Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, will be installed in St Albans later this month.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant David Williams is the guest of honour at a special public ceremony at 2.30pm on August 29 at Marlborough Almshouses in Hatfield Road. The project is being funded by Blue Plaques St Albans, made up of several local organisations, businesses and representatives from the St Albans area including the district council and St Albans BID, working together to help make the city a vibrant and interesting place to live, work and visit.

Chairman Tim Boatswain explained:

“This is the fourth blue plaque installed by Blue Plaques St Albans and certainly well-deserved. Sarah was an extremely clever and astute woman who rose to be one of the most influential people of her time through her close relationship with Queen Anne.

It is said that because of her knowledge of government she could be a powerful friend but a dangerous enemy. Her almshouses have been a fine legacy for St Albans and we are delighted the trustees have invited the Deputy Lord Lieutenant to officially install the Blue Plaque.“

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) circa 1700 by Sir Godfrey Kneller – Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

As a close confidante and advisor of Queen Anne (1665-1714), Sarah Churchill became the second most powerful woman in England.

Her husband John Churchill won many battles during the War of the Spanish Succession which led to the Queen awarding them the titles of Duke and Duchess of Marlborough plus the Manor of Woodstock which became the site of Blenheim Palace.

Sarah was probably born at Holywell House, St Albans in 1660 and John and Sarah maintained their strong connections with St Albans, regularly returning.

One of Sarah’s greatest legacies to St Albans was the Marlborough Almshouses, completed in 1736 for 18 men and 18 women, primarily veterans of her husband’s battles and servants, at a cost of £50,000 (the equivalent of £4 million today).

Back then, the residents of Marlborough Almshouses had to be sober and pious and with an income of less than £20 per annum. Rules for the residents included taking the sacrament three times in the year, observing a curfew of 9pm in winter and 10.30pm in summer, keeping the premises neat, with no swearing and no sub-letting, and not leaving the almshouses for a period longer than three days!

Today a voluntary Board of Trustees runs the almshouses providing unfurnished dwellings designed for the needs of older people (and rules have been relaxed somewhat!).

In 2018 Yorgos Lanthimos directed the film The Favourite in which the Duchess was played by Rachel Weiz and Olivia Coleman, who won an Oscar for her performance, was Queen Anne. “

There are many more nominees for a Blue Plaque. The cost of producing and installing a plaque is £550 and to help raise more funds St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society (SAHAAS) are holding a talk on Sarah Churchill on Tuesday August 30 at 7.45pm: Dr John Morewood, President of SAHAAS will give a 45-minute talk via Zoom. The cost will be £8 per person and all receipts will go to fund more Blue Plaques in St Albans.

You can register for the talk via SAHAAS Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/not-just-a-favourite-the-formidable-sarah-duchess-of-marlborough-tickets-394936464597

If you are interested in becoming involved or want to donate to Blue Plaques St Albans, please contact: blueplaquesstalbans@gmail.com or phone Tim Boatswain on 07873 586074.

Case Study: Adam Cottam Almshouses, Lancashire

Trustees of Adam Cottam Almshouses have been working hard on their almshouse project over the past 4 years, with the assistance of funding from The Almshouse Association. In 2022 they embarked on the next stage of their project using the most recent loan and grant provided by the Association.

Project outline

The 2015 the Quinquennial Inspection Report showed that all 3 dwellings were in dire need of complete refurbishment, so in 2016 the Adam Cottam Almshouses Trust commenced a 4 year refurbishment project to make them damp free, safe and energy efficient.

The work would entail completely stripping out the dwellings and fitting out with new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and central heating.

When one of the properties became vacant in 2017, they began the ambitious programme to refurbish all 3 dwellings. The first dwelling was completed in 2017, the second in 2018 and the third in 2020.

The project

The project started by consulting a local architect to advise on how the dwellings might be refurbished. His estimate to remodel the living space and act as Clerk of Works ran to some thousands of pounds. A meeting between two trustees and the contractor led to a design which was adopted without the need for further architect involvement thereby making a significant cost saving.

The objective was to remodel by making maximum use of the limited space available. This involved removing internal walls in all 3 properties.

All 3 dwellings needed the walls to be completely stripped and tanked with K11 solution to act as a barrier to damp. No. 30 was plastered but Nos 34 & 36 were dry lined which was less costly and, more importantly, dried out quicker!

The almshouses do not comply with modern Building Regulations so ‘escape’ windows have been provided where possible, the contractor keeping the Borough Council Building Regulations Inspector involved at all times. All windows have been replaced with new double glazed units and the ceilings have been lowered and insulated.

The bathrooms were fitted with new shower cubicles, toilets and wash hand basins. New units were installed in all kitchens as well as new cookers, cooker hoods, hob units and fridges. All new electrics have been fitted throughout and a new boiler and central heating system installed. New carpets and blinds completed the internal renovations.

Finally all 3 dwellings have been fitted with new front doors/frames to further improve energy efficiency.

Project cost and funding solution

The total cost to refurbish all three properties and temporarily re-house residents was £100,000. The charity was able to cover some of the costs by drawing down from their trust funds and investments, however the remainder was covered by a loan and a grant from The Almshouse Association and a £20K grant from Whalley Parish Council.

The final stage

The 2015 Quinquennial Report highlighted the poor condition of the stone flag roof which requires frequent repairs with many flags delaminated and broken.

In 2021 the charity were awarded an additional loan and grant from The Almshouse Association and in 2022 embarked on the project to remove the existing flags and replace with reconstituted stone flags. In their latest progress update, the charity advised that they have just appointed a painter to paint the external woodwork and elevations and hope to have it finished by early September. Only the lopping of the trees to get organised now!

Many thanks to Clifford Ball of Adam Cottam Almshouses for sending in photos and reporting on the project. Congratulations to everyone involved.

August 2022

P&G update: 8.08.22

Government

Government updates advice on £400 energy rebate – The Government has announced further information on the £400 energy rebate which is being provided to households to help with the cost of living crisis. Previously there had been concerns that the scheme would not support those who operated heat networks where a charity charges for energy through their WMC. However, the Government has now clarified that the payment will be made to those with:

“Domestic electricity contracts from landlords where fixed energy costs are included in their rental charges. In these circumstances, landlords who resell energy to their tenants should pass the discounted payments on appropriately, in line with Ofgem rules to protect tenants.”

Furthermore, they have confirmed that:

“Further funding will be available to provide equivalent support of £400 for energy bills for the 1% of households who will not be reached through the EBSS [Energy Bill Support Scheme]. This includes those who do not have a domestic electricity meter or a direct relationship with an energy supplier, such as park home residents.”

We are glad that the government has taken note of the pressure from The Almshouse Association and others on this issue. However, we are still disappointed that further information on how the scheme will be delivered has still not been provided. Those with standard electric tariffs will see a £66 discount applied to their energy bill in October and November, rising to £67 from December to March 2023. Further information can be found here.

New guidance for landlords on smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations – We recently published a piece on the new regulations for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms from October 1^st 2022. The Government has since published a guidance booklet for landlords which can be found here.

Housing Ombudsman opens landlord survey – Housing Ombudsman members may wish to answer their current landlord survey which looks to see how landlords are using the complaints handling code, among other topics. The survey can be found here and closes on 26 August 2022

The Charity Commission

Commissions publishes guidance on upcoming changes to the Charities Act – The Charity Commission has published new guidance on the forthcoming changes to the Charity Act in Autumn 2022.

This includes:
- Paying trustees for providing goods to the charity
- Making moral or ‘ex gratia’ payments from charity funds
- Fundraising appeals that do not reach, or exceed, your target
- Power to amend Royal Charters.
  
  Full details can be found here

RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

Posted 8 August 22

Government updates advice on £400 energy rebate

The Government has announced further information on the £400 energy rebate which is being provided to households to help with the cost-of-living crisis. Previously there had been concerns that the scheme would not support those who operated heat networks where a charity charges for energy through their WMC.

However, the Government has now clarified that the payment will be made to those with:

“Domestic electricity contracts from landlords where fixed energy costs are included in their rental charges. In these circumstances, landlords who resell energy to their tenants should pass the discounted payments on appropriately, in line with Ofgem rules to protect tenants.”

Furthermore, they have confirmed that:

“Further funding will be available to provide equivalent support of £400 for energy bills for the 1% of households who will not be reached through the EBSS [Energy Bill Support Scheme]. This includes those who do not have a domestic electricity meter or a direct relationship with an energy supplier, such as park home residents.”

We are glad that the Government has taken note of the pressure from The Almshouse Association and others on this issue. However, we are still disappointed that further information on how the scheme will be delivered has still not been provided.

Those with standard electric tariffs will see a £66 discount applied to their energy bill in October and November, rising to £67 from December to March 2023.

Further information can be found here.

posted 4 August 22

Almshouse celebrates its bicentenary

John Baker Charity – Almshouses in Aynho – sent in by trustees Kathy White and Andrew Bellamy

“There was a special bicentennial afternoon tea held in the gardens of the almshouses in Aynho, West Northants on Wednesday 22^nd June. The trustees, residents, families, friends and previous Parish councillors celebrated the amazing generosity of John Baker more than 200 years ago who wanted to help men and women equally in Aynho – first by clothing them, then by giving them some extra pennies and then, after his death, his trustees built these amazing houses with the funds in his Trust in 1822.

To think of all the beneficiaries over those 200 years – all the residents who have lived alongside each other in these houses. Some for a short period and some for many years. There have been a lot of changes and the houses have been improved and upgraded with modern facilities as time has passed.

We tried to find some family links back to John Baker and his family through genealogical research to invite them to celebrate with us – but sadly to no avail despite a great effort from our local History Society, however, we can just remember the great Baker family, one-time glaziers in Oxford, with their personal links to Aynho, and buried in magnificent tombs on the south side of St Michael’s Church.

We raised our cups of tea in thanks for endowing our village with houses where the current, and many generations before them, have been so pleased to live – independently and in a house they can call home……and no longer expected to attend Church four times on a Sunday!

To John Baker – and the next 200 years! “

St John’s Winchester Almshouse Charity support for Ukraine

The work of the St John’s Winchester Charity was recently celebrated in the Hampshire Chronicle.

20th June 2022 by Kimberley Barber Winchester charity St John’s Winchester supports Ukraine | Hampshire Chronicle

“RESIDENTS and staff at a charity that helps older people in Winchester have shown their support for the Ukraine.
The group from St John’s Winchester said they are determined to do what they can to support Ukrainian people suffering as a result of the invasion of their country.
The charity has donated equipment such as beds, hoists, furniture, and medical equipment from its former Moorside Care Home to a Polish charity, Pomagamy Foundation, which transports equipment and supplies to support refugees and local populations in Ukraine including the Ternopil Region, East of Lviv.
So far, 17 trips with donated equipment have been made.
Clive Cook, St John’s chief executive, said: “We can only imagine the pain and suffering of those living with the consequences of the war in Ukraine. I want to thank Ukrainian colleague, Ina Matthias, and our staff and residents for inspiring us to take the small actions we can, to help victims of this terrible conflict.”
The trips have been organised by Ina, who is from Ukraine and works at St John’s and lives in Southampton.
As well as the donations, St John’s has opened staff recruitment to suitably qualified Ukrainian refugees.
Its almshouses are also available for occupation by evacuees coming to the country under the ‘Ukraine Family’ and ‘Homes for Ukraine’ Schemes – subject to age and other qualifications.
The residents of St John’s almshouses pitched in and they raised £731.79 for the Disasters Emergency Committee, Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal through donations and a fundraising coffee morning.
Residents and staff have also filled two cars with donations such as clothing and supplies, which has been delivered to the Polish Social Club, Southampton for onward transmission to Ukraine.

[photo credit: Hampshire Chronicle: Ina Matthias (fourth left), Clive Cook Almshouse Association Trustee and St John’s CEO (sixth left) and local volunteers supporting the transportation of St John’s Winchester Moorside equipment]

Posted July 2022

Mandatory smoke and carbon monoxide alarms from 1st Oct 2022

Following consultations with the Government, The Almshouse Association can confirm that changes to the regulations of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will affect almshouses.

This means that from October 1st, 2022 almshouse charities will be required to:

provide a smoke alarm on each storey of their properties where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation
provide carbon monoxide alarms in any room of their properties used wholly or partly as living accommodation where a fixed combustion appliance is present (excluding gas cookers)
repair or replace alarms as soon as reasonably practicable.

Many almshouse charities likely already provide these alarms in their dwellings and shared communal areas. If not, trustees should look to immediately address this so that they are compliant with the new requirements.

If you are looking for support with either types of alarm, it is recommended you contact your local fire service who should be able to assist you further.

Posted 26 July 22

Social Media Awareness online training

15 mins | CPD accredited

This Social Media Awareness Training course raises awareness of the risks associated with using social media and how using these platforms inappropriately can have severe consequences.

Social media has changed the way the world interacts with each other, both personally and professionally. In fact, the average internet user spends 145 minutes per day on social media! With that said, there are a number of risks associated with social media usage that both organisations and their staff/volunteers must be aware of and know how to mitigate.

This short online Social Media Awareness course explores how social media might be used at work, and also when it shouldn’t be used. Additionally, it covers the importance of following an organisation’s policies and procedures surrounding social media usage and why publicly sharing confidential or private information can be extremely damaging.

This Social Media Awareness course isn’t just for those who work in Marketing or Advertising either, it’s for anyone who might use social media within the workplace, for whatever reason.

COURSE CONTENTS

This training course is broken down into 2 sections

Section 1 – Defining Social Media
The opening section of this training course looks at the term “social media” and analyses what it covers, it’s risks, and it’s benefits.

Section 2 – Social Media at Work
The final section of this training course looks at how social media can be used in the workplace, including best practices for using it safely.

Social Media Awareness Certificate

The course ends with a multiple choice test to measure your knowledge of the material and a printable certificate which includes your name, name of course taken, pass percentage, date of completion and accreditations by recognised authorities.

To access your course
1. After you have clicked on the button below, you will be taken though to the Training login area.
2. Type in your email address to login and then you will be asked for your charity name, membership number and name.
3. Type in your first name and last name as you would like them to appear on your certificate

An Introduction to Almshouses online training

60 mins | CPD Accredited

This training course is aimed at clerks and trustees who are new to their roles. It is a scene setter covering key knowledge areas including signposting that will help generate useful discussions for those concerned. The course will take approximately an hour to complete and you will receive a CPD certificate on passing.

The course covers 4 learning modules as follows:

MODULE 1

The history of almshouses
The Almshouse Association
What makes almshouses unique

MODULE 2

Knowledge of key documents
Almshouse language
Do’s and don’ts
Mandatory policies & templates
Residents’ Letter of Appointment and Residents’ Handbook

MODULE 3

The main charity regulator, the Charity Commission

MODULE 4

Your role
Standards of Almshouse Management (SAM)
Your residents

Course objectives, on completion you will be:

knowledgeable about how The Almshouse Association can support you, the history of almshouses, the movement and what makes almshouses unique.
confident in what are your charity’s key documents that support and guide decision-making and where to find them.
familiar with using the correct almshouse language and terms.
understand the role of the Charity commission and your charity’s main reporting obligations.
knowledgeable about the main duties of a trustee and a clerk and familiar with good working practices.
knowledgeable in different resident scenarios and where to find guidance.

An Introduction to Almshouses certificate

The course ends with a multiple-choice test to measure your knowledge of the materials and a printable certificate which includes your name, the course taken, your pass percentage, the date of completion and accreditations by recognised authorities.

To access your course

After you have clicked on the button below, you will be taken through to the Training login area.
Please type in your email address to login, select the course you want to complete and follow the instructions.
If this is the first time you have logged into the Online training area, you will be asked for your name, the name of your charity, its membership number of The Almshouse Association and your own name. Please type in your first name and last name as you would like them to appear on your certificate