Welsh Government confirms almshouse charity exemption

Welsh Government confirms that the almshouse charities are exempt from the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

In July 2019, Nick Phillips, the Chief Executive of the Almshouse Association, wrote to the Welsh Government asking them to confirm that any legal issues relating to the appointment of beneficiaries of Welsh almshouses are dealt with under existing charity law rather than the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

The Welsh Government has responded to confirm that this will be the case and a copy of the letter can be found here and supporting information here.

The resolving of this issue is vital not only to Welsh almshouses but to the wider almshouse movement as it reaffirms the position that almshouse residents are appointed as beneficiaries of the charity.