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 bottom of the page.

GOVERNMENT

  • £15 million government funding for garden communities  – The Government has announced £15m in funding to support the growth of garden communities across England. The funding is part of a wider £69m programme to deliver 16,000 homes per year from 2025. The funding is targeted at 43 towns and villages across England who are listed as Garden Towns or Villages. A full list of the chosen areas can be found here.

    Almshouses are uniquely placed to operate in these settings. As such, members operating in these areas and looking to further develop their provision may wish to get in touch with their local council to see how they can contribute to these communities.

  • Government announces further support to help with cost of living – Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined further support from the government to help with the cost of living.
    The key announcements were as follows:
    • The previously announced £200 loan for energy bills has now been raised to £400 and will now not need to be repaid.
    • Two lump sum payments totalling £650 will be paid to 8 million of those on means tested benefits (see list below). The two payments will made from July and in the Autumn.
      • Universal Credit
      • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
      • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
      • Income Support
      • Working Tax Credit
      • Child Tax Credit
      • Pension Credit.
    • 8 million pensioner households, who receive winter fuel payments, will receive a one-off payment of £300.
    • 6 million people who receive non-means tested disability benefits will receive a one-off payment of £150.

      It was also outlined that, subject to review, benefits next year will increase by this year’s CPI. Local authorities providing support through the household support fund, or discretionary housing payments, will have funding extended by £500m from October.

      The Almshouse Association welcomes the additional support at this difficult time. However, we are disappointed that there has not been any further clarification for members who operate communal heating systems. We intend to write to the Chancellor and other ministers to outline our concerns and continue to call for greater support for these members who are already facing an extraordinary rise in the cost of energy. All information regarding the announcement can be found here.

DIGITAL AND COMMUNICATIONS

  • Update on Digital Switchover – In our most recent Almshouses Gazette we featured an article from Panel of Consultants member Careline365 (previously Lifeline24) regarding the need for members to take action ahead of the digital switchover in 2025.

    Since that article was published there has been an update on the switchover which members should be aware of:
    • BT has changed how they will approach the switchover, but have not pushed the completion date back, it is still currently set for 2025
    • The rollout will continue, the difference now is that people who are unsure on the switch will have the option to opt out if they feel unready, however, everyone will still need to switch over eventually
    • Almshouses are still advised to plan ahead and replace old analogue systems with up-to-date digital alarms, especially right now as the issues highlighted, that prompted the update, arises from old analogue technology being used on the new digital network.

      Members with further queries can get in touch with Carline365 via Mark Law 01603 964306, keyaccounts@careline.co.uk 
  • Support with costs of TV licence – TV Licensing have provided a reminder of the support available for people who may be struggling to pay for their TV licence. There are a range of payment plans available to help customers to spread the cost of a TV licence, these include monthly or quarterly direct debits, or a TV Licensing payment card (which enables customers to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly online, via text or call, on the TVL Pay app, or at any PayPoint outlet).

    A reminder of the concessions available and how to apply for these can be found on their website along with a wide range of FAQs.

    SEE ALSO: Training: ARC TV Licences | (almshouses.org)

WALES

  • Final coronavirus restrictions removed – The Welsh Government is removing the final coronavirus regulations as of May 30th. This means From Monday 30 May, the legal requirement to wear a face covering in health and care settings will end. Full announcement details can be found here.

RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates:

posted 30 May 22