News


P&G update: 21.11.22

…This funding will be vital in helping housing associations to continue making progress towards their individual net zero targets and will contribute to the government’s ability to meet their legally…

P&G update: 14.11.22

…on your commercial electricity supply, used for communal areas (lighting, lifts, security doors, etc.), these savings also need to be passed through to customers. In these cases where you are…

P&G update: 13.12.22

…Chief Executives and council leaders and all providers of social housing on ensuring quality in social housing. The letters are available here. RIGHT TO BUY An ambiguous response was received…

P&G update:13.06.22

The Almshouse Association regularly posts a news summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact/requires action from member charities, with links to further information where applicable. Our…

P&G update: 04.04.22

…For example, you will need to ensure that your governing documents allow for online meetings if you have found these to be more convenient during the pandemic. Charity Commission guidance…

P&G: 17.10.22

News summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact and/or requires action from our member charities, with links to further information where applicable. Government introduces Energy Prices…

New sculpture for Bond's Lodge almshouses

A new sculpture from a renowned Coventry artist has been unveiled in the courtyard garden of a new almshouse development for the elderly. George Wagstaffe, famed for such works as…

New online courses available

The Almshouse Association is pleased to announce that we have added three new online training courses to our website course library. With many of us are working from home, you…

New almshouses in Cheltenham

…the day were trustees, residents, The Mayor of Cheltenham (who cut the opening ribbon), Councillor Steve Harvey – The Deputy Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Sandra Holliday and MP for Cheltenham,…

New almshouses for veterans

From: Homes England Published 19 January 2022 Set up in 1918 by Robert Buchanan in memory of his son Alan who died in World War I, the Buchanan Trust has…

New Almshouse Research published

…highlights the challenges the sector faces going forward. The Smith Institute and The Almshouse Association hosted an online event on 11th October 2022 to mark the launch of a new…

MP Briefing

…the model of charity which is locally led under defined objectives.  There is a significant risk that this centuries-old, workable, valuable, charity housing model could disappear. Right to Buy: Almshouses…

Mental Health and wellbeing in the charity sector

…were forced to abandon face-to-face service provision in March 2020, along with the camaraderie and support offered by office life. Many moved service provision and core operations online, while others…

Lynda's story

…reported problems such as leaking taps, toilets, electrical issues and any small building works are usually carried out very quickly.  Lynda remarks:  “luckily a band of local tradesmen are on…

Live longer – live in an almshouse?

…people live longer in almshouses.  This study, based on an original report carried out with Whitely Village in Surrey*, highlighted that women did indeed live longer in an almshouse. The…

King Charles III Coronation Tea Parties!

We have some wonderful photos coming in from our members of their Coronation celebrations! Above and below, residents, trustees, family and guests were joined by the Mayor of Newbury, Councillor…

Infection Prevention & Control online training

…Charity Name, membership number and name. Type in your first name and last name as you would like them to appear on your certificate. Infection Prevention and Control online training…

HRH visits Bond's Hospital almshouses

…– a movement that began a thousand years ago:  a thousand years of providing warm, friendly houses for local people. That shows it’s a model that works!” Residents, staff and…

Housing Policy & Consultations

…are being posted on our website for members’ general awareness. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – New housing developments to deliver nature boost in landmark move.  In a world first, developers in…

Housing Ombudsman: Press release

…They also include individual circumstances such as disability, financial hardship, and health conditions Check net zero plans – Electric heating costs more than gas. If you’re net zero strategy is pushing…

Hospital of St Cross Winchester

…the Outer Quadrangle, where you can find the brewhouse (now a tea room), the guest wing, a kitchen and the Porter’s Lodge. The Inner Quadrangle is reached by passing beneath…

Holding AGMs & other meetings

…30th December 2020.  Wherever possible it is still hoped that members will be able to submit their annual returns online. However, if Trustees have an imminent deadline and believe they…

Heating advice notes

…Trust for sharing them with us. Heating advice notes for almshouses The initial approach should always be taken as fabric first, i.e., to look at ways of improving the thermal…

Heat & Building Strategy Overview

…to meet its net zero targets by 2050. The key takeaways of the strategy are: Intention to phase out the installation of new gas boilers from 2035 by making carbon…

Green Homes Grant extended

…to expire in March 2021. However, as part of a number of green initiatives announced by the Government, members will now have more time to apply for works to be…

Government's Right to Buy plans

The Almshouse Association Response to Government Plans to Extend Right to Buy Policy Almshouses are established by gifts of charity and run by volunteers. The charity is established to provide…

Fond farewells to retiring clerk

…doing so much to support community efforts.” Article by Nick Jones for The Barnet Society online publication. Posted 2 September 21 Click here to read more almshouse news and stories…

First European Workshop

…to see first-hand what works well for almshouses in Holland. The similarities are striking in the spirit of the movement, the architecture and the management. The pride of residents in…

Festival of Trusteeship, 2-6 November 2020

…great candidates for trustee roles, and charity finances – the basics. Sessions are being held online and tickets range from £5 to £15. To find out more, visit: www.gettingonboard.org/festival-of-trusteeship Posted…

Eric's story

…Jim Morgan, centre Eric Williams , right – Reg Davies their oldest resident 92 years of age) Almshouse charities can have different beneficiary groups, which are derived from the wishes…

EPCs - Association's Statement on EPCs

…be provided if requested. The Government’s recent White Paper regarding the transition to net zero made a number of suggestions regarding the requirement for social housing landlords to reach EPC…

Dunk's Almshouses celebrate our 75th!

…Dunk died in 1718 and the building works were completed in 1723 when the first residents moved in and the schoolroom was opened.  The residents and trustees made lots of…

Double celebrations in Sonning!

…newspaper article in the Henley Standard – click here Link to online version Posted 12 July 21 For more almshouse news and stories, visit Almshouse news and stories | (almshouses.org)…

Cyber Security Awareness Training

…we look at what is meant by the term ‘Cyber Security’, the different types of cyber attacks, as well the importance of cyber security in the workplace. SECTION 2 –…

Covid-19 update: 29.09.20

…shortly before), when the full lockdown was announced, a number of our members limited visits by friends and families to residents. We’re aware that some members are looking to do…

Covid-19 update: 11.01.21

Meetings The Charity Commission has updated its guidance on holding meetings during the national lockdown. Where possible, it states that charities should hold meetings online or via telephone. Where this…

Covid-19 update: 8.4.21

…potential outbreaks of coronavirus. The tests can be ordered online or collected from larger local pharmacies. You may wish to encourage your residents and staff to use these tests and…

Covid-19 update: 05.1.21

…one credit per person to take the course), please contact us at admin@almshouses.org. The course can be found at: www.almshouses.org/training-seminars/online-training-sessions/ Some almshouse charities may choose to treat their residents as…

Council Tax & Spring Budget update 2024

…Right to Buy 5.71 Allowing local authorities (LAs) additional flexibility in their use of Right to Buy receipts – The government will increase the cap from 40% to 50% on…