Association meets with DLUHC to discuss Social Housing Regulation Bill
The Almshouse Association recently met with representatives of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to express our concerns regarding the proposed changes which are being considered as part of the Social Housing Regulation Bill.
Chief among these concerns is that the proposed reforms could impact upon the status of charitable housing and undermine the almshouse model. We also raised concerns from members who feel that the new requirements could add a significant burden to trustees who already devote so much of their time to ensuring their residents are looked after.
We were pleased to hear that the Department have been working with the Charity Commission and that currently there are no plans to supersede the role of the Commission. Instead, the proposed reforms would provide the Regulator of Social Housing with the ability to intervene in the case of failing providers, with the help of the Commission.
We were also pleased that there is currently no intention for the Regulator to extend its remit beyond Registered Providers. Moreover, they have stated that they will continue to consider how they can improve standards in smaller providers without creating an unnecessary burden.
The Association will continue to hold discussions with the Department to ensure that the voice of the almshouse movement is properly represented. We aim to ensure that all new legislation clearly recognises almshouses so that members are clear on their obligations.
posted 10 June 22