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 ÂŁ800M 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 ÂŁ800m in funding to help raise as many properties as possible to EPC Band C. In total, the fund will provide ÂŁ3.8 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 9th 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 ÂŁ200 – ÂŁ2000 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