Policy & Governance update: May 2025

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

1.   Local Elections on 1 May 2025

A reminder that there are local elections across the country on 1 May. There are 1,641 council seats across 24 local authorities up for grabs. All seats on 14 county councils and eight unitary authorities in England will be also up for election.

Many of these positions are responsible for local services – including housing, planning and social care.

Fewer people vote in local elections than general elections, but this does not make them any less important – decisions affecting your almshouse may be made by your local county council. Remember to vote!

Following the passage of the Elections Act 2022, the local elections on 1 May will take place with mandatory voter identification (ID). Voters will need to show an acceptable form of photographic ID, as listed on the Electoral Commission website.

2. Awaab’s Law (Social Housing Regulation Act 2023)

Awaab’s law – part of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 – will begin to be rolled out in October 2025, and we recommend starting preparations now. Although the Act refers to tenants and landlords and to Registered Providers only, we believe it is best practice to adhere to the standards set.

From October 2025, social landlords will be required to address damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants within fixed timescales. Additionally, they must repair emergency hazards, including those related to damp and mould, within 24 hours.

In 2026, these requirements will apply to a wider range of hazards, which have not yet been fully determined by the government.

3. Consultations

There are a number of consultations currently available that members might be interested in.

• The SORP-making body has today launched its public consultation on the Exposure Draft SORP. The page also has steps charities should take to prepare for the new updates. We recommend if members are concerned they should speak to their accountants to make sure they are ready for the upcoming changes. For more information on these changes click here.

Deadline 20 June 2025.

• Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales – 2025 update. The government is seeking views on proposals to raise minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030.

Deadline 2 May 2025

• If you are a registered Supported Housing Provider or Exempt please do consider either responding directly or via the Association to the consultation on the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.

Deadline 15 May 2025

The Almshouse Association is currently preparing responses to these consultations and will share our submissions with members in due course.

4. Engagement with MPs

We’re pleased to report that there has been some encouraging engagement with MPs in recent weeks. Thanks to your efforts, several important questions have been raised in Parliament on behalf of almshouse charities. This is a significant step in ensuring our concerns and priorities are heard at the national level.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has taken the time to write to or email their MP. Your advocacy is making a real difference, helping to raise awareness and build support for the invaluable work almshouses do in communities across the country.

posted 30 April 2025