The Almshouse Association regularly posts a news summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact/requires action from member charities, with links to further information where applicable.
Our latest update can be found below and previous updates are listed at the end of the page.
DEPARTMENT FOR LEVELLING UP, HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES
- Homes for Ukraine Scheme Launches – The Government has opened the Homes for Ukraine scheme which looks to support Ukrainian refugees currently fleeing the war with Russia.
Charities interested in supporting refugees can record their interest in the scheme which formally opened on March 18th. In Phase One of the scheme, sponsors in the UK can nominate a named Ukrainian individual or family to stay with them. Accommodation must be available for at least 6 months. It should also be noted that you cannot charge those who may stay with you. There will be an optional ‘thank you’ payment of £350 per month for those who participate. Those from Ukraine will also be able to work and access benefits under the scheme.
– You can record your interest here.
– FAQs on the scheme can be found here.
For members who may be interested in this scheme it is important to consider whether it is possible to accept a refugee within your current governing documents. We are all eager to do our bit in supporting those in need, but ultimately, we must still fulfil the charitable objectives of the charities we represent. As such, The Almshouse Association would advise all members to check their governing documents before logging any interest in the scheme. The Association is here to help if you need further guidance.
The Charity Commission has also published a useful information guide on how charities can best support those in need as a result of the crisis which can be found here.
- Housing Ombudsman Complaint Code to Take Effect from April 1st – In July 2020, the Housing Ombudsman introduced a new Complaint Handling Code to set out good practice for responding to complaints. Following a review, the code has been strengthened with changes to take effect from 1 April 2022. These changes will only apply to members who are registered with the Ombudsman.
- Regulator of Social Housing releases latest version of ‘Regulating the Standards’ – Members who are Registered Providers of Social Housing may wish to review the latest version of ‘Regulating the Standards’. The document, published by the Regulator of Social Housing, outlines how they approach their work with the scope of the regulator expanding in recent times.
ENERGY
- Issues with Communal Heating Costs – The Almshouse Association is seeking information from members who have communal heating systems in their almshouses and the impact of the current energy crisis on costs of running this system. Communal systems do not benefit from the price cap and are currently not scheduled to receive the £200 government loan, in contrast to those with their own supply.
It would be useful for the Association to understand the scale of this issue including the number of people affected and the amount your bills are projected to increase. Please send any details to Jack Baldan via jackbaldan@almshouses.org
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
- Government withdraws requirement for vaccine as a condition of employment – Members who also operate care home schemes within their charities will be aware that the Government recently announced that it will bring forward regulations to revoke vaccination as a condition of deployment for all health and care settings.
The Government still consider full vaccination against coronavirus to be the ‘professional responsibility’ of staff working in this sector.
RECORD OF 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:
Posted 21 March 21