The Almshouse Association has continued to engage government during the Coronavirus pandemic to highlight the issues impacting the almshouse movement.
This week The Almshouse Association has contacted levels of
government to address a number of issues:
- Essential workers – we have requested clarity as to who qualifies for ‘essential worker’ status. A request has been made for almshouse employees to be considered as ‘essential workers’.
- We have made an appeal for almshouse inclusion in any government support for landlords – whilst Government has made clear a desire to support landlords and tenants financially through this crisis, it is not been clear who will be entitled to support or how they will be supported. Clarity has been requested and a case has been put forward for almshouses to be considered within the support package if requested.
- Universal Credit – Some of our member charities have received advice from DWP local offices detailing that charities are unable to provide financial assistance to residents below state pension age without impacting Universal Credit payments. This differs from the guidance issued 2013 (subsection 51413-51416). The Association is appealing for clarity from DWP to allow charities, who are able and wish to, to provide immediate cash support to their residents in need without this counting as an income against Universal Credit.
Posted 30 Mar 2020 ; updated 2 April 20