WelcomeThe Charity finances its regular activity through the Weekly Maintenance Contribution paid by the residents. However we need to source funding for major projects ie major improvements, Flood work at Aynam Road, or development of Romleigh.
Almshouses have been part of the British landscape for over 1000 years. Today there are more than 1,650 almshouse charities in the UK, allowing people to remain independent in older age and to live their lives with dignity and fulfilment with a standard of living that would not otherwise be possible. Kendal Almshouse Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered with the Charity Commission. It is a Registered Social Landlord with Homes England. The registered Charity was formed in 1987 with an amalgamation of five former Almshouse Charities. In recent years, the Charity obtained an interest in the Kendal War Memorial Trust Fund which owned a detached bungalow and the present War Memorial Gardens. The Charity is a member of the National Association of Almshouses and is governed by a board of Trustees, all volunteers, drawn mostly from the Kendal area. |
NewsTRUSTEES REQUIREDThe Charity is a Registered Social Landlord and has 41 almshouses in Kendal, with plans to build two new dwellings in the next year. New Trustees are being sought with experience in Housing, Buildings, Finance and/or Management. Trustees meet quarterly. Positions are voluntary although reasonable out of pocket expenses are payable.
For further information and submission of written applications contact: C J P Tomlinson, The Clerk to the Trustees Tel: 01539 739590 VACANCY
1 and 2 Romleigh, Romney Road, Kendal, LA9 5QR Two newly-built semi-detached one bedroom bungalows with shared gardens and one parking space each [with EV chargers] - suitable for two person each. Each property has one bedroom, a bathroom, open-plan kitchen/living area and a utility room Preference will be given to applicants who reside in Kendal and South Lakeland Only available to applicants aged 50 years or over with a housing need. Closing date for applications 16th August 2024 Application Forms available from The Clerk to the Trustees Mr C J P Tomlinson, Cumbria Tourism Business Centre, Windermere Road, Staveley, LA8 9PL Tel No: 01539 739590 |
Principal Objective
The principal objective is to provide affordable, unfurnished homes for those in need, irrespective of gender or social, religious or ethnic background, who reside in the town of Kendal and specific neighbouring parishes. If it is not possible to fill a vacancy from any of these parishes, then the Trustees have the ability, with approval from the Charity Commission, to widen the area in which residents live, including South Lakeland District Council, Barrow Borough Council and Lancaster City Council areas.
Occupiers, who are not protected by the Housing Acts, pay a weekly maintenance contribution, the level of which is regulated by Homes England as a Registered Social Landlord and the Trustees. The weekly maintenance contributions are reviewed each year. Occupiers are licensees to occupy not tenants.
Since its formation, the Charity has made a significant difference to the lives of countless vulnerable people by enabling them to live independent and dignified lives within a secure environment.
The Charity owns 41 almshouses in five locations, in or near the centre of Kendal, affording easy access to the facilities of the town, but meets all the costs of owning, maintaining, and repairing these buildings from its own resources. The Trustees work closely with Social Services to adapt properties for the benefit of residents, wherever possible, and also with South Lakeland District Council.
Occupiers, who are not protected by the Housing Acts, pay a weekly maintenance contribution, the level of which is regulated by Homes England as a Registered Social Landlord and the Trustees. The weekly maintenance contributions are reviewed each year. Occupiers are licensees to occupy not tenants.
Since its formation, the Charity has made a significant difference to the lives of countless vulnerable people by enabling them to live independent and dignified lives within a secure environment.
The Charity owns 41 almshouses in five locations, in or near the centre of Kendal, affording easy access to the facilities of the town, but meets all the costs of owning, maintaining, and repairing these buildings from its own resources. The Trustees work closely with Social Services to adapt properties for the benefit of residents, wherever possible, and also with South Lakeland District Council.
Locations
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Funding and Future Plans
To meet the increasing aspirations of residents and applicants and the rising standards recommended for almshouses by the National Association of Almshouses, and the necessity for Decent Homes Standards Status which Kendal Almshouse Charity has achieved, as a Registered Social Landlord, the Charity is constantly making improvements. Funding for these major upgrades is achieved from a combination of the Charity’s own reserves and grants from Government agencies primarily Homes England. Other avenues of funding for these projects are explored.
As life expectancy increases and more people live into their eighties and nineties, providing suitable accommodation for them is of increasing importance and concern. As regards long term strategy, the aim is to increase the number of almshouses which Kendal Almshouse Charity owns to assist with the ageing population, and housing requirements, particularly for those in need.
The administration and management of the Charity is undertaken by H&H Land & Estates, 36 Finkle Street, Kendal, LA9 4AB
April 2021
As life expectancy increases and more people live into their eighties and nineties, providing suitable accommodation for them is of increasing importance and concern. As regards long term strategy, the aim is to increase the number of almshouses which Kendal Almshouse Charity owns to assist with the ageing population, and housing requirements, particularly for those in need.
The administration and management of the Charity is undertaken by H&H Land & Estates, 36 Finkle Street, Kendal, LA9 4AB
April 2021
