Housing LIN report reviews the financial benefits of almshouses

Commissioned by The Almshouse Association, this Housing LIN report assesses the evidence of financial benefits provided by the current revival of almshouses, and figures reveal startling cost of saving to the economy.

• Not only do they free up 4,000 homes in the private and social housing sectors each year but they generate financial benefits to the health and social care sectors of £43 million per year through the provision of safe, secure and affordable housing.
   
• Other financial benefits of almshouses to the local economy are the investment in employed staff and voluntary work, estimated to be £56 million per annum.
   
• This includes £7.7 million a year through a reduction in GP and A&E visits – primarily through tackling loneliness and mental health issues.

This report is intended to assess the evidence of the financial benefits provided by almshouses primarily for an audience of local authorities, the NHS, Government, policy makers and other stakeholders with an interest in housing and accommodation for older people.

Ian Copeman, Business Director at the Housing LIN said:

“This research is a welcome addition to the body of evidence that demonstrates the benefits of almshouses, for their residents but also to a wider range of partners, particularly local authorities and the NHS.”

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Almshouses will be holding a meeting on Thursday, 18 November at 3.00pm to discuss the results of this research into the financial benefits of the almshouse movement, and how the findings can be used to persuade central and local government to support greater numbers of almshouses.