P&G update: 25.11.24

The latest policy, governance and political engagement news from The Almshouse Association.

Budget News

On 30 October 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves delivered her first budget. The Chancellor announced a number of spending promises particularly covering health, education, housing and infrastructure investment projects, but there were also a number of tax raising plans. Some of these budget measures will now be incorporated in the Finance Bill 2024-25 whilst other changes such as the increase in employers National Insurance contributions will be legislated separately. Subject to UK parliament passing the budget related legislation, some of the key points affecting almshouse charities are:

• Increase in the rates of the National Living Wage for over 21-year-olds from £11.44 per hour to £12.21 from 1 April 2025.
  
  Higher increases were announced in respect of under 21-year-olds and details can be found via this link: National Living Wage to increase to £12.21 in April 2025 – GOV.UK

• The Government has announced changes to Employers National Insurance, effective 6 April 2025. The threshold above which contributions are payable will decrease from £9,100 to £5,000 and could especially affect those almshouse charities who employ part-time staff.
  
  In addition, the rate of National Insurance will increase from 13.8% to 15% . However, for many smaller almshouse charities who employ just a few employees, the effect of this increase in Employers National Insurance will be mitigated by the increase in the Employment Allowance credit, which allows smaller entities to reduce their national insurance liabilities. This has increased from £5,000 to £10,500.
  
  Further details to the changes to National Insurance are included in chapter 2 of the attached HMRC overview policy paper. Visit: Autumn Budget 2024 — Overview of tax legislation and rates (OOTLAR) – GOV.UK

Renters’ Rights Bill

Changes are on the horizon for the rental market with the Renters’ Rights Bill, introduced by the Labour Government on 11th September 2024.

The Bill, as drafted, does not reference ‘Licenses’ so almshouse charities that are not registered providers should not be affected, however, Registered Providers will already be aware of some of the requirements, such as:

We will watch the progress of the Bill.

Action for Registered Providers:

• With the Renters’ Rights Bill expected to become law by the summer of 2025, start by reviewing your tenancy agreements, updating your policies on pets and rent increases, and ensuring your properties meet the Decent Homes Standard. 
• Stay informed about how the bill progresses, as MPs and peers may propose further changes before it becomes law.

Awaab’s Law

• Landlords must fix serious health hazards such as damp or mould within a set timeframe or face penalties.
• The Decent Homes Standard will also apply to private rentals, ensuring properties are safe and habitable.

The Decent Homes Standard

Following the consultation in 2022, the government relaunched its review of the Decent Homes Standard  in June 2023, committing to extend the standard to the private rented sector, as well as considering a range of changes that will be implemented in the near future, setting the minimum standard for the condition of social homes.

These considerations include: 

• an updated list of items that must be kept in a reasonable state of repair for a home to be considered ‘decent’.  
• an updated list of services and facilities that every property must have to better reflect modern expectations for a ‘decent’ home.  
• whether the current Decent Homes Standard sets the right standard on damp and mould to keep tenants safe.  
• updates as to how the condition of building components, such as roofs and walls, are measured, ensuring that buildings which are not fit for use cannot pass the standard.  
• The introduction of a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for the social rented sector. 

This will enforce strict timelines for landlords to address hazards like damp and mould within.

If almshouses are not included in the Decent Home Standard legislation, why are you being notified?

• In the future, almshouses may be included, so you can be assured that The Almshouse Association will be watching out for this on your behalf
• The Bills sweeps into Regulated Housing, so Registered Providers may be affected. Note, however, that most of the legislations is already captured in the Social Housing Bill, apart from the tenancy/eviction rules
• If your charity has accidently issued a Lease not a License you need to get in touch with us as soon as possible!

MP Engagement

The Almshouse Association has engaged with the following MPs over the last quarter

posted 25 November 2025