“COUNCIL TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR EMPTY ALMSHOUSES.

What are Alms-houses?

Almshouses are run by local charities. They provide self contained low cost housing. Mostly for older people who have a low income. Often elderly people with no living relatives and homeless with no income or personnel wealth.

Where?

Specifically I am referring to the Bell’s Almshouses at Kingerby, which has served the parishes of Osgodby, Kingerby and Claxby since 1675 as their own social housing for those in ‘need, suffering hardship or distress”. This Registered Charity (229226) has a group of trustees made up of two parish councils, the local vicar and three volunteer co-opted members.

History.

The six original Almshouse fell into disrepair in the 1970’s and 1980’s. They have since been converted into 3 modern forms of accommodation. The work was fully carried out by local volunteers and as you see in the photograph a beautiful row of cottages in a tranquil setting has been established. The exceptional thing here is local volunteers have provided three one bedroom modern homes with no support or funding from west Lindsey. 3 social houses free to the district.

Now fully let under licence not a tenancy to very needy local people. Due to the fact the residents are on licence and not tenants, the trustees do not charge a rent in its legal definition. Currently the licence fee is approximately half a commercial fair rent.

The charitable scheme and the latest set of accounts are available for the council to see.

Mr. Chairman,

Based upon the brief information I have presented tonight, the history and particularly the resurrection of these modest yet prestigious housing assets in West Lindsey.

I am asking for council’s approval to take this matter forward to our Corporate Policy and Resources committee for consideration of approving the exemption of council tax for Unoccupied and Unfurnished Alms-houses.

I so move.

Councillor Jeff Summers”

Note:         Those Councillors who had previously declared an interest in respect of the motion, left the Chamber.

Councillor Jeff Summers submitted the following Motion: -

“Council Tax Exemptions for Empty Almshouses.

What are Alms-houses?

Almshouses are run by local charities. They provide self contained low cost housing. Mostly for older people who have a low income. Often elderly people with no living relatives and homeless with no income or personnel wealth.

Where.

Specifically I am referring to the Bell’s Almshouses at Kingerby, which has served the parishes of Osgodby, Kingerby and Claxby since 1675 as their own social housing for those in ‘need, suffering hardship or distress”. This Registered Charity (229226) has a group of trustees made up of two parish councils, the local vicar and three volunteer co-opted members.

History.

The six original Almshouse fell into disrepair in the 1970’s and 1980’s. They have since been converted into 3 modern forms of accommodation. The work was fully carried out by local volunteers and as you see in the photograph a beautiful row of cottages in a tranquil setting has been established. The exceptional thing here is local volunteers have provided three one bedroom modern homes with no support or funding from west Lindsey. 3 social houses free to the district.  Now fully let under licence not a tenancy to very needy local people. Due to the fact the residents are on licence and not tenants, the trustees do not charge a rent in its legal definition. Currently the licence fee is approximately half a commercial fair rent.

The charitable scheme and the latest set of accounts are available for the council to see.

Mr. Chairman.

Based upon the brief information I have presented tonight, the history and particularly the resurrection of these modest yet prestigious housing assets in West Lindsey.

I am asking for Council’s approval to take this matter forward to our Corporate Policy and Resources Committee for consideration of approving the exemption of council tax for Unoccupied and Unfurnished Alms-houses.

I so move.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Lewis Strange, who spoke in support of the motions principles.

The Leader of the Council also thanked Councillors Summers for the motion and indicated it was the right and proper thing for the matter to be referred to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee so the full financial implications of the request were understood before a decision was made.  The Leader was of the belief almshouses currently contributed around £17,000 in Council Tax to provide County, District and Police Services.

It was suggested that any paper should also look at the cost of providing exemptions for other supported housing schemes across the District, although no formal motion was moved.

The majority of Members were supportive of the motion in principle but indicated they would need to understand the full cost implications of introducing such a policy.

Councillors Summers was of the belief the matter would only effect 15 almshouses and be of little cost to the Authority. This figure however was challenge and the Chamber was advised that a full report would cover all such matters.

Officers clarified that the wording unoccupied and unfurnished had been specifically used as it was identical to the terminology and definition used in the legislation when determining Council Tax exemptions.

Having being moved and seconded it was RESOLVED that: -

the matter be referred to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee for consideration of approving the exemption of council tax for Unoccupied and Unfurnished Alms-houses.

Note:         Those Councillors who had withdrawn from the meeting prior to consideration of the motion returned to the Chamber.