18 March 2025: A summary of the latest UK Government policy changes and news.

1. Affordable Homes Programme Funding

An additional ÂŁ300 million has been allocated to the existing affordable homes programme, aiming to deliver approximately 2,800 new homes, with more than half designated for social rent. This funding is part of the government’s broader strategy to address housing shortages and affordability.

2. Right to Buy Scheme: Clarification for almshouses

11th March 2025: Thanks to a question raised by Sarah Gibson MP – The Government has reaffirmed that almshouses remain exempt from the Right to Buy scheme, with no plans to alter this exemption. This ensures that properties, such as almshouses, specifically designated for charitable housing purposes, are exempt from the Right to Buy. Matthew Pennycook confirmed that The Government has no intention of changing this status.

3. Renters’ Rights Bill

In its current form, this does not affect almshouses as they operate under Licenses not Assured Shorthold Tenancies.

4. Government response to the NPPF consultation

The Government response to the NPPF Consultation recognises all the hard work that members have put in to help raise the profile of almshouses and seek changes to Government Policy around planning, but it falls short of supporting the proposed changes.

The public final version of the response carries more detail about the position of almshouses in the eyes of Government than the draft version, detailing that:

Almshouses are not Community Housing because residents do not have a say in the running of them, they are run by a Board of Trustees.

“Having carefully considered responses, Government will not extend the definition to capture almshouses. While almshouses make a valuable contribution to the provision of affordable housing for those in particular need, the almshouse model differs fundamentally from community-led housing. Developments are taken forward by the board of an almshouse charity rather than by the prospective residents, and the residents are not automatically entitled to become voting members of the body that controls the homes.”

This issue has never been raised with Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association and he has meetings booked with MHCLG and Charity Commission to discuss.

In summary:

The Almshouse Association believes that the Government wants to find a way of supporting almshouses. There is a concern, however, that changing the policy in almshouses’ favour allowing them to be recognised as Affordable Housing to receive S106 and other support, would mean that local Councils will be required to carry out their own due diligence. If the Government sticks to its current position, however, The Regulator takes the responsibility for due diligence.

The Government response recognises the value of a Code of Practice and we should pursue this long term as it will remove some of the reticence of Local Councils in supporting unregistered almshouses. The Almshouse Association will be working with LGA (Local Government) on this.

Way forward:

To persuade the government to change its position on the classification of almshouses within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), particularly with regard to their exclusion from the definition of “community-led development,” we can draft a multi-point plan that emphasises the unique role of almshouses, the benefits they provide, and the implications for local communities. This plan will also suggest potential changes in policy that consider the evolving landscape of community-led housing, Section 106 Agreements, and the government’s devolution agenda.

We believe that:

  • Government is inconsistent with message. Recent summary from Government places the reason for almshouses not being supported in the NPPF is their Governance structure. A structure determined by charity law. Government already supports almshouses when they are Registered Providers and all operate in the same model.
  • Government does not understand why all almshouses don’t become regulated
  • Government has asked MHCLG to try and find a solution
  • Charity Commission support the principle of almshouses recognised in NPPF
  • All our members support the proposal for almshouses to be recognised in NPPF
  • All MPs engaged support almshouses in their request to be recognised in NPPF
  • TAA will consult on the introduction of a Code of Practice

Priority

  • Meet MHCLG (briefed by Sec of State) Post consultation.
  • Meet Selective Licensing Drafting Team.
  • Understand key objections to change.
  • Engage – Charity Commission/Regulator/Ombudsman/LGA/National Planning Director
  • Draft Code of Practice to meet concerns.
  • Test with board /members /stakeholders
  • Identify suitable Ombudsman and consult (Not Housing Ombudsman)
  • Government round table with stakeholders – Westminster.

Influencing

  • M Pennycook’s office
  • MP/Peer supporter /contact list.
  • Distribute case studies (Mole Valley, Worcester, Southwark).
  • Industry press/LGA media.
  • Direct approach MPs calling for change highlighting Governments reason for denying change to NPPF

Barriers

  • Changing legislation – win not seen as significant enough
  • Changing legislation creates a risk
  • LGA planners pro status quo – less risk
  • LG risk averse and due diligence requires resource
  • Charities are inconsistency of Governance – not all are equal
  • Scale of “win” in numbers – this will be won on quality not quantity.

5. Consultation: Supported Housing

The Government has issued a consultation on  Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.  The consultation seeks views on how the Government will implement the measures and inform the drafting of regulations and guidance on the Act. The Act focuses on three sections: the licensing regime, National Supported Housing Standards and proposed changes to Housing Benefit.

It is a long form (see link below), however, if you are a registered Supported Housing Provider or Exempt please do consider either responding directly or let us know your thoughts and we can respond for all.

Link to Consultation: Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 – Consultation

What does it mean for almshouse charities?

As registered charities, almshouses may be classed as ‘supported exempt accommodation’ and fall under the jurisdiction of this Act. The Government is proposing that the licensing regime it introduces under powers in the Act will apply to all types of supported housing set out in the Act.

Questions to consider and key areas potentially relevant to almshouse charities

Note: All questions include a tick box (strongly agree to strongly disagree) and long-form answer component (2000 CHARACTERS)

A. National Supported Housing Standards and Principles:

  • Consultation Questions: Questions 5 to 33 seek views on the proposed National Supported Housing Standards, which aim to ensure quality support services in supported housing.

    While these standards are designed for supported housing providers, almshouse charities offering housing with support services might find these standards relevant.

B. Licensing Regime Details:

  • Consultation Questions: Questions 34 to 44 delve into the specifics of the licensing regime, including conditions, exemptions, administration, and enforcement.

    Almshouse charities providing supported housing could be affected by these licensing requirements.

C. Planning Use Class for Supported Housing:

  • Consultation Questions: Questions 45 to 49 discuss the creation of a new planning use class for supported housing.

    This could impact the development and planning processes for almshouse charities involved in providing supported housing.

posted 18 March 2025