Policy & Governance update: 01.11.21 | The Almshouse Association

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:

Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Housing Ombudsman Strategy Consultation – The Housing Ombudsman has opened a consultation on its strategy for the upcoming three years. With impending legislation strengthening the role of the ombudsman this consultation presents members with an opportunity to feed into what it should prioritize.

Members of the ombudsman can find the consultation here. It is due to close on November 12th 2021.

£65m support package announced for vulnerable renters – DLUHC has announced a £65m fund to support vulnerable renters over the winter months. The fund will be distributed to local councils to help prevent homelessness and support families to get back on their feet after the pandemic.

Members may wish to get in touch with their local council if they feel there are residents who would benefit from this fund. Local councils have flexibility to decide what this the most effective way to make use of this funding, however 50% must go towards households with children. The funding would be paid directly to the charity. More information can be found here.

The Budget 2021

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced this year’s budget with a number of housing announces included this year. These include:

£1.8bn for 180,000 new homes through land regeneration
£640m per year to be spent on the Government’s commitment to end rough sleeping
£5bn for remediation of the highest risk buildings wish unsafe cladding
Taper rate for Universal Credit to be reduced from 63% to 55% meaning claimants keep more of their money earned through work
The ‘freeze’ in local housing allowance will remain in place for another 12 months at least

Energy and Environment

Heat and Building Strategy – The government has announced its long-awaited Heat and Building Strategy. The strategy outlines the government’s plans to reach net zero by 2050. This includes:
- Funding from April 2022 for heat pumps through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
- Phasing out new natural gas boilers from 2035
- Investment into projects on the potential use of hydrogen in the heat network

The Association will shortly publish a breakdown of the key takeaways for our members. The full strategy can be found here.

Posted 1 November 21