Contact your Parish Council

Communities, Housing and Environment Committee

30/06/20

Outside Body

Outside Body

Cutbush and Corrall

Councillor(s) represented on the Outside Body

Clive English

Denise Joy

Report Author

Clive English

Date of Outside Body Meeting Attended

Bi-monthly Board. Building Sub Committee Meetings (CE)

Purpose of the External Board/Outside Body:

To provide affordable housing for residents of Maidstone aged over 55 years of Age

Update:

The Almshouse Charity has now largely completed a substantial programme of repairs and upgrades including improving energy efficiency and is now shifting towards a programme of ongoing maintenance, rather than significant upgrading of properties.  It has been considering pursuing an aim of producing additional housing and is undertaking work to bring forward proposals and has undertaken initial consultation with residents.

The Trust had begun to undertake additional work on improving resident engagement via Social activities and Trustee Surgeries, however this has been somewhat set back by the current circumstances which have necessitated prioritising resident’s health and safety.

The Trust is also conducting some work on updating policies and procedures in areas where these are needed.   

Almshouse provision is one of the few ways that genuinely affordable housing on a long-term basis can be offered in this day and age and it is therefore important that MBC through its appointed members both Councillors and otherwise continue to support the organisation.