News


Wokingham United Charities in local news

…a block of flats on Peach Street for older, vulnerable people who are unable to buy or afford rental properties in Wokingham. While plough repairs may no longer be a…

Who owns your charity land?

…charity, whether this is the sale or lease of a property or obtaining a mortgage. Income may be lost or much needed capital receipts may be delayed. The longer it…

Website: Important changes coming into effect

…at this stage, the changes will eventually allow us to offer online event booking, accept membership and event payments online, and any changes members make to their web profile will…

The Times reports on the almshouse boom

Thrilled to see almshouses in the national press this week. ( 14th Oct 19). The article was also posted online, making almshouses worldwide news. It feels good to be able…

The Christmas Fund

…Deed states that the gifts should be used to help ‘poor residents’ and since the funds are limited, we ask that member charities that can afford to buy a gift…

The Almshouse Association is 75 years old!

…unless otherwise stated are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2001 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between18-19th November 2020.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted…

Social Media Use

…posting online. Our guidance will help charities to navigate their use of social media with greater confidence and will support the Commission to regulate this high profile and fast paced…

Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund

…Housing Decarbonisation Fund. The fund seeks to help raise the energy standards of social housing as part of the government’s plans to reach Net Zero. The fund provides a good…

SHELTER: Press Release - Housing shortage

…number of new homes built.  – 21,600 social homes were either sold or demolished in 2021/22, while only 7,500 new homes were built leading to a net loss of 14,100 homes.  – In the last decade, there has been a total net loss…

Secrets of Essex almshouses

…Essex Life magazine and online on 29th June 2022, Denise explores the almshouses dotted around Essex, finds out more about the long history of almshouses and who lives in them…

Scheme Manager

…the Charity Responsibility for certain health and safety and fire safety procedures and records Be alert to potential Safeguarding cases working with the Clerk, and raise online safeguarding reports to…

Rural Housing Week

…perpetuity by their exemption from Right to Buy. Residents do not pay rent but a Weekly Maintenance Contribution which is below the average rent in the area and helps to…

Rules on holding AGMs and other meetings

…Commission of these changes.   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…

Royal Vice Patron presents Patron's Awards

…left £100 to buy land for their longer term benefit. Visit https://hamunitedcharities.org.uk/400th-anniversary/ to find out more. Following this, HRH visited two residents’ homes and walked through the award winning gardens…

Risk Assessment online training

35 mins | CPD accredited |IOSH approved This online Risk Assessment training is designed to help organisations comply with Health and Safety regulations, as well as learn to and carry out structured risk…

Read all about it!

…– 3rd Jan 2020 The Telegraph – 4th Jan 2020 The Mail online – 6th Jan 2020 The Telegraph Letters Page – 6th Jan 2020 Note: The Association does not…

Policy & Governance update: September 20

…the exemption from Right to Buy which almshouses benefit from. The full Government announcement can be found here. Flood Grant Extension – The Government has announced an extension of the…

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: 01.11.21

…outlines the government’s plans to reach net zero by 2050. This includes: Funding from April 2022 for heat pumps through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Phasing out new natural gas boilers…

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

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…

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: 27.09.23

…from HMRC between 10 and 19 November 2023 Click here for link to full details Net Zero by 2050 PM recommits UK to Net Zero by 2050 and pledges a “fairer” path…

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

…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: 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: 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…

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 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…

Moor Field: solar POWER project

…outskirts of Towcester.  Part of this land was sold to a housing developer and the proceeds of the sale were used to build the current almshouse complex, Moor Field, 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…

Live longer – live in an almshouse?

…1,700 almshouse charities gifted in between. We need more! A housing model for local people, exempt from the Right to Buy, in perpetuity for centuries. Where are the philanthropists setting…

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

…trustees all raised a glass to toast this special moment.   . Some wonderful video footage of the day filmed by the Daily Mail online can be accessed here. The Almshouse…

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…