News summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact and/or may require action from our member charities, with links to further information where applicable.

Government

  • Rishi Sunak Appointed Prime Minister – Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been appointed Prime Minister after the resignation of Liz Truss. We congratulate Mr Sunak on his appointment and look forward to seeing the government provide greater support for genuinely affordable housing.
    Mr Sunak has 7 Almshouse Association members within his constituency and so we hope that he will be aware of the fine work that almshouse charities carry out in their communities.
  • New Secretary of State for Department of Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities – Michael Gove has been re-appointed as Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities. 
    We look forward to working with the re-appointed Secretary, particularly in achieving recognition of almshouses as “affordable” under the National Planning Policy Framework, helping to ease the process by which new almshouses can be developed.
  • Regulator of Social Housing identifies key risks facing social housing sector in 2022 and beyond – The Regulator of Social Housing has released its Sector Risk Profile, setting out its view of the key risks and challenges facing the social housing sector.
    The report shows that providers face substantial financial pressures. High inflation is impacting on operating costs and the cost of debt is rising at the same time as increased cost of living pressures on tenants, a proposed rent cap, and a weakening housing market. To maintain financial resilience, providers need to continue responding appropriately to the changing conditions.
    Full details can be found here.

Miscellaneous

Research Opportunity

Kings College London, in partnership with Housing LIN, are working on a research project on loneliness in an ageing population tackled through smart clothing and furniture. As part of this, researchers are looking to speak to people over the age of 65 who have experience of loneliness. Their goal is to understand what loneliness means for older adults and learn how we might be better able to measure loneliness.

To take part, individuals would have to:

  • be over the age of 65
  • have experienced loneliness since turning 65
  • be happy to speak about their experiences.

Participants will speak to a researcher in a one-off interview which will take no longer that two hours. This includes demographic questions and comfort breaks.

The interview can be in person or online and will include questions on:

  • personal experiences of loneliness
  • role of technology in measuring loneliness
  • preferences for data use.

As a thank you for their time, participants will be given a ÂŁ30 voucher after the interview. To take part please contact Dr Jessica Rees via email: deloneliness@kcl.ac.uk.

RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2022 Policy and Governance updates:

posted 31 October 2022