Almshouses

[MumE78]

Currently in a refuge and on the homeless register.
I have a licence to occupy here until June.

I applied for a flat at an Almhouse which offers licence to occupy.
Can anyone tell me if this still keeps me as homeless on the register or if my banding would change?

I know my banding changes to B in May as the refuge will write an eviction notice.

The Almhouse has said a flat might become available mid April so I'm in 2 minds to take it tbh

When I get the end of my license in the refuge I will be moved into temporary accommodation as it's unlikely I'll get housed from here.

I don't want to be stuck in the Almshouse for years if my banding changes lower.

Sorry I don’t know but bumping for you. Can you contact your local council and ask?

A license to occupy is insecure. You can be asked to leave with almost no notice.

The legal definition of homeless is something like “having no accommodation you have the legal right to occupy.”

So, on the face of it, on an almshouse license, I would think you’d still be technically homeless. Which would make me think you’d stay on the list. Maybe with reduced priority, due to having a roof.

I’d ask in writing, though. Maybe by email. Can the refuge workers not help you get to the bottom of it?

You do also know as someone fleeing violence you have the right to apply for housing to any local authority? And you don’t have to prove a local connection to do that. Would that open up your options?

Thanks for the replies
I'm going to have a meeting with the Almshouse in a weeks time so I can ask them when I'm there.
It's a lovely place but it would never be mine which ideally is the security myself & daughter need

It is correct that an almshouse licence is not as secure as an assured or secure tenancy. In fact depending on the letter of appointment it could be revoked for any or no reason on 28 days notice.

I suspect however it would be considered settled accommodation and end your homelessness status. Check with the LA

Hi
Most almshouses are for life as long as the resident needs them - or meet their criteria as being in housing need. The weekly maintenance contribution (a bit like rent) is almost always less than the Local Housing Al. The license is an ancient provision and often as or more secure in practice than a lease as it has an in built address to court. Some almshouses have an agreed term say for 5 years to enable people to get themselves sorted. I wouldn't discount the almshouse model you may find the community it provides a really helpful and friendly environment. Good luck.