Policy & Governance update – March 2021 | The Almshouse Association

Each month, the Association 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 Feb/Mar 21 Summary.

Charity Commission

Five-minute guides for charity trustees – The Charity Commission has published a series of five-minute guides with some basic guidance for trustees. Members may wish to refresh their understanding or distribute to new trustees:

Adult Social Care

Free PPE for unpaid carers – The Department for Health and Social Care has announced that, following a successful pilot scheme to establish the distribution method and logistics, free PPE is now being made available to “extra-resident” unpaid carers who need it. Beneficiaries who receive care from family members or similar may be eligible.

Energy and Environment

Energy price cap to increase in April – Ofgem has announced that, that from 1 April 2021, the price cap will return to pre-pandemic levels, principally as a result of changes in wholesale energy prices. Ofgem also notes that support is available for those struggling to pay their energy bills, especially those in vulnerable circumstances. It also states that consumers who want to avoid the increase and save money should shop around ahead of the increase in the price cap on 1 April.

Taxation

Submission of charity accounts – More than 13,000 charities missed the deadline to submit their financial documents in January, according to the Charity Commission. This is more than double the number which missed the deadline last year, when around 6,000 were late filing. Charities with financial years ending on 31 March – a large chunk of the sector – needed to file their accounts and annual return with the Commission by 31 January. The regulator received accounts on time from 35,689 charities. It will be following up with the 13,093 charities that have not met the deadline. Members should reach out to The Almshouse Association if they are in need of support.

Coronavirus

You can find all our Coronavirus updates here

Posted 8 Mar 21