Dartmouth United Charities began piloting an expansion of their almshouse accommodation in 2013 with the purchase of two houses in Townstal aimed at local families.
Jill Cawley, Chair of Dartmouth United Charities explained, “Trustees identified a need to go beyond our existing almshouse accommodation which traditionally has only been available for older residents.
Young families struggle to stay in the community where they have been brought up due to both the high cost of rental accommodation and the prohibitive cost of buying. It is these families that we want to support.”
“By investing in good quality houses that meet the needs of young families, we aim to reduce the movement of young people out of the town. We hope families will benefit from our low cost accommodation that meets their family needs, and over a period of 3-10 years be able to go on to save towards a future house deposit.”
Dartmouth United Charities purchased a further 3 bed house in 2016 and aims to continue expanding the provision as suitable properties and funds become available.
Jill continues, “Four years on from the start of the family housing, it is fantastic to see one of the first families moving on to their own home and remaining in the town. We can now offer another local family the chance to benefit from the scheme.”
What is almshouse accommodation?
Almshouse accommodation is different from housing association and local authority housing as residents are licensees rather than tenants, so have no tenancy agreement or legal interest. Instead they have a letter of appointment and must agree to a set of rules. The appointment of residents is carried out by trustees according to criteria set out in its scheme. Monthly maintenance charges are set at or below the ‘equivalent fair rent’ and can include extras such as TV licenses and insurance. If residents circumstances significantly change for the better then they will no longer be eligible for the almshouse. In this situation, a timescale is agreed for them to move on, in order to free up the accommodation for others.
House in Townstall now available
Local families are now invited to apply for anunfurnished 2 bedroom house with a garden in Britannia Avenue, available from January 2018. There is a monthly charge of £525 and no deposit is required. All applicants must have been aresident of Dartmouth over the past 2 years or more and be able to prove a financial need.Families who fit the full criteria will be interviewed to ensure that they meet the aims of the Charity and have the desire to save for their own home. The closing date for applications is 2nd January.
If your family fits these criteria, application forms and further details can be downloaded from
www.dartmouthunitedcharities.org.uk or by calling the office on 01803 835006.
Further information on almshouses can be found from the Almshouse Association of which Dartmouth United Charities is a member.
