An update on the latest policy, governance and political engagement news from The Almshouse Association.
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
Almshouses making headway with a change of definition in NPPF.
- 18.10.24: Question in Parliament: The Association was pleased to see another question asked in Parliament this week on behalf of the almshouse movement:
Manuela Perteghella (Liberal Democrats) (Stratford-upon-Avon): (8305) To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to bring almshouses into the definition of affordable housing.
Matthew Pennycook (Labour) (Greenwich and Woolwich): Our consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework sought views on whether changes are needed to the definition of ‘affordable housing for rent’ to make it easier for organisations that are not Registered Providers, including almshouses, to develop new affordable homes.
The consultation closed on the 24 September and officials in my department are currently analysing responses with a view to publishing a government response before the end of the year.
UPDATE: 26 November 2024 – A further question was asked by Neil O’Brien Shadow Minister (Education)
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to amend the National Planning Policy Framework to allow almshouse charities that are not registered providers to receive Section 106 funds for the provision of affordable housing.
Matthew Pennycook Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) responded with ‘I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave to Question UIN 8305 on 18 October 2024.’
- Letter from Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) – Following your effective campaigning, many of your MPs have written to Matthew Pennycook to ask for his support in the change in definition of almshouses in the NPPF. Receiving so many letters (we believe over 100) encouraged Matthew Pennycook to write to Nick Phillips at the Association (again) this week to express his thanks for the many letters and to confirm that the matter is being given attention during the review of the NPPF consultation.
Thank you again for your support and tenacity.
MP Engagement
Member charity engagement has led to many MP visits to almshouses.
Association CEO, Nick Phillips has not been able to attend all of the visits but he will be holding a ‘drop in’ session at Portcullis House in Westminster in December to meet any MPs that he has been unable to meet. The purpose will be to discuss almshouses and our drive to see the planning issue amended. The date in December is currently being finalised. Members will be informed as soon as possible.
National Federation and The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
Nick Phillips has been working with the National Federation of Housing and MHCLG regarding the qualification requirement for Registered (Regulated) almshouse charities.
The Association has put forward a strong case to exempt all trustees and to recognise a minimal scale/size of almshouses where it would be impractical to have a requirement for clerk or warden to gain the qualification. Members will be updated as as soon as we hear more.
Regulated Housing Provider Check List
The Association is working with a number of partners with the challenge of interpreting the requirements of Regulated returns. We will shortly be introducing a simple check list of the up-to-date requirements for Regulated Housing Providers.
posted 22 October 2024, updated Dec 24