News summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact and/or requires action from our member charities, with links to further information where applicable.
Government introduces Energy Prices Bill
The Government has introduced the Bill which puts into law the support offered to tackle high energy bills. The bill highlights how those without a domestic electricity meter, including those on heat networks, will be supported. This includes:
- The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Fund to deliver the Ā£400 energy bills rebate to these individuals via local authorities.
- A Ā£100 additional payment for domestic heat network customers.
- Legislation that will require landlords and heat network operators to pass benefits on to tenants via the Energy Bill Relief Scheme
Further details on The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Fund are yet to be announced. Full details can be found here.
update: Link to further details from the government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers
Almshouse Association Meets with DLUHC
The Association recently met with representatives of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. At the meeting we raised concerns from our members regarding the proposed amendments to Social Housing Regulations as well as the ongoing consultation on a rent cap, both of which would impact almshouse charities who are also Registered Providers of Social Housing. The department has assured us that there are no direct threats to almshouses within the new regulations and that the charitable status of almshouses will be protected.
The Association will continue to monitor progress of the regulations for any further developments.
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Opens for Bids
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund has opened for bids to help decarbonise social homes across the country. The Almshouse Association was successful recently in achieving access for all almshouse charities to the scheme which closes on 18th November 2022.
Almshouse charities looking to access the fund will likely need to become part of a consortium as there is a requirement to retrofit a minimum of 100 dwellings. The Association is looking to help members with this process for future bid windows.
Full information can be found here.
Association attends Conservative Party Conference
The Association attended this yearā€™s conference for the Conservative Party to promote the almshouse movement with government ministers and beyond.
Though disappointed that housing did not appear to play a significant role at the conference, with little time allotted to discuss housing policy as part of the main agenda, we were able to attend some fringe events and speak to a number of stakeholders who are keen to work with us and support our members. Signs would seem to suggest that the new administration may not be as interested in genuinely affordable housing as it is in growth.
RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:
posted 17 October 2022; updated 24 November 22