From time to time a vacancy arises in one of our four Almshouses, this section of the web site explains, in the form of ‘Frequently Asked Questions’, how we advertise, and appoint new residents.

 

How do I know if there is a vacancy available?

 

If a vacancy arises for an Almshouse, we will generally advertise within the ‘area of benefit’ in local and county publications, as well as on this web site.

 

The criteria (set out in our Charitable ‘Scheme’) for our residents are that:

 

• They are persons in need, hardship or distress and who reside in the area of benefit at the time of appointment.

 

• The ‘area of benefit’ is defined as the County of Dorset with a preference for the parish of Milton Abbas.

 

The Trustees do have the ability to appoint outside of these criteria, but there must be exceptional circumstances and in general that there are no other applicants that meet the core criteria at the time.

 

Do you keep a waiting list?

 

Yes, we do keep a waiting list for potential residents who meet the criteria for occupying one of our houses. We do not ask for those on the waiting list to complete an application form and we only hold their contact details in case a vacancy arises.

 

Those on the waiting list are not given any particular priority over any other applicants but will be automatically informed that a vacancy has arisen and that if they are still interested, they should complete the relevant application form provided at the time by the Clerk.

 

Approximately yearly, the Clerk will contact those on the waiting list, to confirm whether or not they remain interested in a vacancy and to ensure we have their up-to-date contact details.

 

If you would like to be added to our waiting list, please use the Contact page on this web site to register your interest with the Clerk.

 

What is the process for appointing a new resident?

 

All applicants will be sent a formal application form, this is short and written in plain English!  The form can be completed electronically or by hand.

 

Applicants should be aware that this form does request some very personal details such as their financial status, including current account balances, investment and savings.  This assists the Trustees in ensuring that applicants meet the threshold of being ‘in need’.

 

Once the advertising deadline has been passed, the Clerk will request the Trustees will review the applications and depending on the number of people who have shown an interest will either arrange for the Trustees to meet all applicants or will draw up a short list as appropriate.

 

The meeting is very informal and will normally last around 30 minutes at the Almshouses.  This meeting is an opportunity for the Trustees to assess how the applicant meets the requirements to be offered an Almshouse.  The applicant may of course be accompanied by a family member or friend.

 

During the meeting, the applicant will have plenty of opportunity to ask any further questions that they may have and see the accommodation firsthand.  At this meeting the Trustees will also explain the terms of the potential residency.

 

The final decision on who is offered an Almshouse rests with the trustees and the applicant with the greatest need will generally be selected.

 

What is the process for moving in, after an appointment by the trustees?

 

All applicants will be contacted by the Clerk within a few weeks of the trustees meeting and told whether or not they have been successful.

 

The Clerk will arrange to meet with the successful applicant and will go through and explain the detail in the Resident’s handbook.  This handbook contains details of the Almshouse, how they are run and what ‘rules’ must be followed.  These are mainly common sense, but they are important, and adherence to these rules is a condition of a resident remaining in their Almshouse.

 

The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to read through the handbook at their leisure and once they are completely happy that they understand the details contained in the handbook, they will be asked to sign a Letter of Appointment.

 

Whilst the paperwork is being sorted out, the Clerk will be arranging any repairs and redecoration required and will agree a move in day with the new resident.   No time standard frame can be given for this as it very much depends on the scope of work required.

 

What is the appointment status of the residents?

 

Potential resident’s should be aware that they will be appointed as beneficiaries of the charity. Resident’s are not tenants in law and have no legal interest in the property. Although, in most circumstances, the accommodation is for life, residents may have to move out if they require residential or nursing care or they are in breach of the terms of their appointment.

 

What accommodation does the Almshouse offer?

 

• The accommodation is unfurnished and has economy 7 electric heating throughout; smoke and heat alarms and a hot air recovery system are standard.

• The front door with a small inner porch has some storage shelves and the consumer unit and electricity meter.

• Leading to a large sitting room, one window facing the Church.

• Down a short passage with storage shelving is the kitchen, again facing the Church. The kitchen fit is modern with facilities for a free-standing electric [no gas] cooker, fridge & freezer & washing machine; ample storage cupboards, single drainer twin bowl sink and work surfaces on both sides.

• Off the sitting room to the rear is a double bedroom (probably not quite large enough for twin beds) with built in storage and airing cupboards.

• A modern wet room with shower, hand basin, heated towel rail, medicine cabinet and loo complete the accommodation – small but perfectly formed!

• The back door leads to a small sitting out area with a planter next to the car park. There is an outdoor brick-built garden shed which also houses the oil-fired central heating boiler for the Reading Rooms next door.

 

Do the Almshouses offer disabled access?

 

Apart from one of the houses, the Almshouses do have disabled access at the back of the building.  However, the corridors of the houses are narrow and there is limited space for wheelchair use.

 

The houses are therefore generally accessible for disabled visitors but are not suitable for disabled residency.  The Almshouses were built in 1647, are Grade 2* listed and as such are unsuitable for modernisation to bring them up to date to house disabled persons.

 

What are the costs involved in being a resident in the Almshouse?

 

Residents do not pay rent for their Almshouse, but they do pay what is known as a ‘Weekly Maintenance Contribution (WMC)’.  It is exactly what is sounds like and is there to ensure that the Almshouses are appropriately maintained for generations to come.  The building is within a Conservation Area and is Grade 2* listed, so our maintenance costs can be significant, but we try to keep the WMC’s very reasonable and will normally be below the Mid and West Dorset maximum Local Housing Allowance (LHA). 

 

Residents also pay Council Tax (but can receive single person rates as appropriate). 

 

Residents also pay for their electricity (please note that there is no gas in the village and everything within the Almshouses is electric powered).  Resident’s pay for their own electricity.

 

Water bills are paid centrally by the Almshouse Trust.

 

There is high speed fibre optic broadband connected to each house by Wessex Internet, who generously support us.

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Do I have to pay a deposit for my Almshouse?

 

No.  There are no deposits payable prior to moving in. 

 

Am I allowed to keep a pet in the Almshouse?

 

In principle pets are allowed to be kept in the Almshouse.  However, the pet must be suitable for the space available, and any damage caused by a pet must be paid for by the resident.  For example, a small dog or cat would be fine but a large breed of dog or large bird cage etc would not be suitable due to the limited space available.

 

The Clerk will be able to provide further advice as to whether your proposed pet would be suitable for an Almshouse in the village.

 

Can the Almshouse cater for a couple?

 

The houses are generally single occupancy due to the space available, but couples can apply (one of the houses is current occupied by a local couple).  Before completing an application form for a vacancy, the Clerk will be pleased to show a potential couple around so they can assess whether the space is suitable for their circumstances.