News


Progress report from Buchanan Trust

…Forces Community. If you wish to learn more about future Buchanan Trust projects, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Trust at https://www.buchanan-trust.org.uk/ posted 4 May 22…

Press Release: Nottingham Community Almshouse Charity

…Commission on the approval of revised schemes Design and architectural services Procuring funding. To contact NCAC, please email gemma.debrito@ncha.org.uk or HWBusinessDevelopment@ncha.org.uk Image above: NCAC-PR-22-015 William Woodsend Memorial Homes February 2023…

Policy & Governance update – March 2021

…it. Beneficiaries who receive care from family members or similar may be eligible. Energy and Environment Energy price cap to increase in April – Ofgem has announced that, that from…

Policy & Governance update: September 20

…to submit their annual returns online. However, if Trustees have an imminent deadline and believe they are likely to miss it you should send an email to filingextension@charitycommission.gov.uk with your…

Policy & Governance update: July 21

…for First Homes Setting developer contributions for First Homes The remaining 75% of affordable housing secured through developer contributions Plans, development management and transitional arrangements Level of discount Exception sites…

Policy & Governance update: July/August 20

…who can demonstrate that the contractor will start work on cladding remediation by 31 March next year Online forms must be completed by 31 December 2020 to be considered Trustees…

Policy & Governance update: 20.09.21

…the public if the risk level increases. Consider asking people to work from home. Previous Policy and Governance updates: Policy & Governance: 31.08.21 update | (almshouses.org) Policy & Governance update:…

Policy & Governance update: 15.10.21

…instances of anti-social behaviour or domestic violence still remain in place. More information can be found here. Previous Policy and Governance updates: Policy & Governance: 31.08.21 update | (almshouses.org) Policy…

Policy & Governance update: 01.11.21

…full strategy can be found here. Previous Policy and Governance updates: Policy & Governance update: 20.09.21 | (almshouses.org) Policy & Governance update: 15.10.21 | (almshouses.org) Policy & Governance: 31.08.21 update…

Policy & Governance: latest developments

online or by telephone Reporting serious incidents to the Charity Commission Keeping people safe It is also worth noting that the Charity Commission’s contact centre remains open Mon – Fri,…

Policy & Governance: 31.08.21 update

…groups will need to complete an eligibility checker on the Community Led Homes website. If eligible, groups will be emailed an online grant application form. Wales A new standard for…

Policy & Governance: 31.01.22 update

…indoor events, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls. RECORD OF 2021/22 Policy and Governance updates: Policy & Governance: 17.01.22 | (almshouses.org) Policy & Governance: 29.11.21 update | Policy & Governance…

Policy & Governance: 29.11.21 update

…Policy & Governance update: 15.10.21 | (almshouses.org) Policy & Governance update: 20.09.21 | (almshouses.org) Policy & Governance: 31.08.21 update | (almshouses.org) Policy & Governance update: 16.08.21 | (almshouses.org) Policy &…

Planning Update from Panel Consultants Robinson & Hall

…this consultation can be sent via the online link (https://consult.levellingup.gov.uk/planning-development-management/permitted-development-rights-consultation) or via email to PDRconsultationsummer2023@levellingup.gov.uk Please note that local planning authorities have the right to withdraw Permitted Development Rights and…

Part time Liaison Officer - Davenport Almshouses, Solihull

…friendly and supportive team environment Fully paid DBS Part-time working Contact Details Please reply in writing by email with CV to Julie Grenfell – Property Manager jgrenfell@davenportalmshouses.org.uk Tel: 01564 773407…

P&G update: 31.10.22

…questions and comfort breaks. The interview can be in person or online and will include questions on: personal experiences of loneliness role of technology in measuring loneliness preferences for data…

P&G update: 30.05.22

…spread the cost of a TV licence, these include monthly or quarterly direct debits, or a TV Licensing payment card (which enables customers to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly online,…

P&G update: 27.3.23

…would be interested to receive your feedback on this latest edition. Is there anything you feel is missing that you would like to see included? Please email admin@almshouses.org with your…

P&G update: 27.09.23

…full details Step forward to online Lasting Power of Attorney The most vulnerable in society will be better protected as reforms to simplify and streamline lasting powers of attorney are…

P&G update: 26.10.23

…would encourage members to use this too in correspondence with MPs and Councillors: https://www.almshouses.org/mps-councillors/   Regulator of Social Housing  RSH has been running a consultation regarding the level of fees it…

P&G update: 26.09.22

…with the spiralling costs of energy. The Energy Price Guarantee is a package of measures which includes: Suspending green levies on energy bills Capping household bills to £2500 per year…

P&G update: 23.5.22

…behalf. Please contact Jack Baldan via jackbaldan@almshouses.org with any evidence you would like to submit. Fire Safety Act 2021 comes into force – On May 16th the Fire Safety Act…

P&G update: 21.11.22

…immediate impact of the energy crisis, the Chancellor announced an extension of the energy price cap guarantee which will now continue from April for a further 12 months. This cap…

P&G update: 21.03.22

…energy crisis on costs of running this system. Communal systems do not benefit from the price cap and are currently not scheduled to receive the £200 government loan, in contrast…

P&G update: 18.07.22

…to specific questions to Jack Baldan via jackbaldan@almshouses.org. Ombudsman plans systemic investigation into record keeping – The Housing Ombudsman has announced that it will be undertaking a ‘systemic investigation into…

P&G update: 14.11.22

…is a new way for trustees and charity contacts to access the Charity Commission’s online services. It can also be used by other people you have authorised, such as your…

P&G update: 12.01.23

…weight of our argument. Email nickphillips@almshouses.org RECORD OF PREVIOUS 2022 Policy and Governance updates: 15.12.22 13.12.22 18.11.22 14.11.22 7.11.22 31.10.22 17.10.22 26.09.22 22.08.22 8.08.22 18.07.22 27.06.22 13.06.22 30.05.22 23.5.22 16.05.22…

P&G update: 8.08.22

…on how the scheme will be delivered has still not been provided. Those with standard electric tariffs will see a £66 discount applied to their energy bill in October and…

P&G update: 7.2.22

…to assist vulnerable people, individuals on low incomes or those in council tax bands E-H. Eligibility of the warm home discount scheme will be expanded with an additional £10 increase…

P&G update: 6.3.23 - Energy Bill Relief Scheme

…Eligible non-domestic consumers will now receive a per-unit discount to their energy bills during the 12-month period from April 2023 to March 2024, subject to a maximum discount. The relative…

P&G update: 6.2.23

…members, The Almshouse Association will be putting forward the proposed response. Please contact nickphillips@almshouses.org if you have any queries or would like to suggest amendments to the proposed response. The…

P&G update: 4.7.23

…further from a definition that includes almshouses under the framework ….. but we are moving in the right direction. See also: Members: Call to Alms! | (almshouses.org) posted 4 July…

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…

Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme

…to take place. The deadline for applications is 5.00pm on 30 January 2023. Further information on the scheme and the application process can be found at energyredress.org.uk   Posted 17 January 2023…

NEW WEBINAR: Permanent endowments

…webinar. Webinar registration: Permanent Endowments – please book here If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Susan or Danielle at admin@almshouses.org or on 01344 452922. Posted…

NEW WEBINAR!

…email containing information about joining the webinar. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Member Services team on 01344 452922 or admin@almshouses.org Posted 28 February 2023…

News from the Charity of Ann Edwards

…Graham MP MP with gardener resident and church member Richard Graham MP and Chris Hill Trustee Please keep on sending in your photos and stories to us at karenmorris@almshouses.org; we…

New Seminar: Looking after your residents

…please complete the Reservation Form and email admin@almshouses.org or post together with payment details to: The Almshouse Association, Billingbear Lodge, Maidenhead Road, Wokingham  RG40 5RU. We strongly advise you to book early 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 John Morden Centre making big news

…dignity and community in elderly living (stirworld.com) John Morden Centre by Mæ Architects wins the 2023 Stirling Prize — Open City (open-city.org.uk) London retirement community wins UK’s Stirling Prize (ft.com)…

New almshouses for Great Shelford

…need. The trustees plan to hold a formal opening later in the year. Taken from GSVC website news: New almshouses for Great Shelford – GSVC (gspc.org.uk, Sunday February 12, 2023…

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…

New! Photography competition!*

…and send the photo to us in jpeg format via email with your name, contact and almshouse charity details to gerryharmon@almshouses.org. All members are welcome to enter! The winner will…

MPs show their support for almshouses

…reading the response to the NPPF consultation this autumn. See also: P&G update: 26.07.23 | (almshouses.org) P&G update: 25.7.23 | (almshouses.org) P&G update: 4.7.23 | (almshouses.org) posted 13 September 2023…

More New Homes Completed

…Northmores; Matthew Ramplin, Senior Contracts Manager, Barnes Construction; Ann Bonnett, Chair, Girton Town Charity; Robin Hiley, Trustee, Girton Town Charity and Ian Bramwell, Director, Mole Architects.  www.girtontowncharity.org.uk posted March 2023…

Message to members from CAF Bank

…we responded by creating a Cost of Living Resources hub (visit https://www.cafonline.org/charities/resource-hub) as well as engaging with all of our borrowers to see what help they might need, based on…

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…