Frequently asked questions
Quietly answered.
A few of the questions we are most often asked — about applying for an almshouse, about volunteering, about Gift Aid, about safeguarding, and about what happens when something goes wrong. If yours is not here, write to the clerk.
Who can apply to live at the Louisa Cottages?+
Our almshouses are intended for older adults, generally aged 60 and over, who have a local connection to Tring or the surrounding parishes, who are in some financial need, and who are able to live independently with reasonable support. We do not have a fixed income limit; we look at each application as a whole.
How much is the weekly contribution, and what does it cover?+
The weekly maintenance contribution is set each April, in line with the Almshouse Association’s national guidance for our size of cottage. It covers buildings insurance, external repairs, the upkeep of the shared garden, and a small contribution to a sinking fund for capital works. It does not cover utility bills or council tax. We share the current figure on application.
Do you accept housing benefit?+
Yes. Most residents have part of their weekly contribution met by housing benefit administered through Dacorum Borough Council. Our clerk will help any prospective resident with the form. We are familiar with the small variations in how almshouse contributions are treated.
Are pets allowed?+
A small dog or cat is allowed by arrangement with the trustees. We think about the welfare of the pet as well as the resident — an active spaniel in cottage three is rarely the right choice. We have lived very happily with two cats and one elderly terrier over the past decade.
How long is the waiting list?+
There is not really a list in the modern sense; we keep a small file of expressions of interest, and contact applicants when a cottage falls vacant. Vacancies are infrequent — one every eighteen months is a fair average. We are honest with applicants about timeframes.
What support is available to residents who become more frail?+
Our cottages are designed for independent living. We have good links with the adult social care team at Dacorum, with the parish surgery, and with two local home-care providers. If a resident’s needs grow beyond what an almshouse can support, we work with them and their family to find the right next move.
What does Gift Aid mean for my donation?+
If you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid allows us to reclaim 25p in tax for every £1 you give, at no extra cost to you. You will need to tick the Gift Aid declaration on the donation form. We must check that you have paid enough income or capital gains tax in the year to cover the claim; otherwise the responsibility for any shortfall falls to you.
Can I leave a legacy in my will?+
Yes, and a number of supporters have done so. Even a small legacy can pay for a year of slow repairs. We are glad to send wording for your solicitor on request — write to [email protected].
How do you safeguard residents and volunteers?+
We hold a written safeguarding policy reviewed annually by the trustees. Volunteers who visit residents in their homes (the Sunday Doors befrienders) are DBS-checked through the parish. We follow the lead of the Almshouse Association on safeguarding standards for our size of charity.
How do I make a complaint?+
Write to the clerk in the first instance — by letter to the cottages or by email to [email protected]. We aim to respond within fifteen working days. If you are not satisfied with our response you may escalate the matter to the Housing Ombudsman (for housing matters), the Charity Commission (for matters of charitable governance), or the Information Commissioner’s Office (for data matters).
Are you regulated, and by whom?+
We are registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 220078) and co-regulated by Homes England as a small registered provider of social housing. Our financial reporting is up to date.
Do you publish your accounts?+
Yes, every year. Our seven most recent are listed on our annual reports page, with a short note summarising each year. The Charity Commission record holds the longer back-catalogue.
Can I visit the cottages?+
The cottages are private homes, so we do not offer drop-in visits. The garden is open to anyone, free of charge, on the open-garden Saturday in late June each year (the Midsummer Tea in the Garden). For other visits, please write to the clerk.
How is the trust governed?+
By two registered trustees — The Honourable Emily Freeman-Attwood, and a corporate trustee, S.J.P. Trust Corporation Limited. Day-to-day administration is held by the clerk, Marian Whitcombe. Decisions of any size are minuted and signed.
Do you take new volunteers all year round?+
Yes, though we work in fortnightly rhythms. We typically place new Sunday Doors volunteers within four to eight weeks of a first conversation, after a DBS check through the parish. Garden volunteers are usually placed before the start of the next growing season.
How can I write to the trust by post?+
By letter to: Louisa Cottages, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 6AA. The clerk reads the post on a Tuesday; if your letter needs an answer sooner, please mark the envelope ‘urgent’.