Retirement Housing

Church's Housing Assistance for the Retired Ministry (CHARM)

The Church's Housing Assistance for the Retired Ministry (CHARM) came into operation in 1983.  The Board, with funding from the Church Commissioners, is able to assist beneficiaries with retirement accommodation via the Shared Ownership scheme, with Rental properties, or in Supported Housing Schemes (formerly referred to as Residential Homes).

Changes to Housing Eligibility Criteria

The Board has made changes to the eligibility criteria with regard to CHARM and Supported Housing, as follows:

1. Minimum Service - eligibility for the Board's housing will increase from five to fifteen years, being introduced at a year at a time extra for the next ten years, although this change will not apply to Shared Ownership or applicants applying on the grounds of ill health. This change will take effect from 01 April 2010.

2. House for Duty - applications will be extended to those clergy who have a minimum of five years stipendiary service together with House for Duty service, to meet the total eligibility criteria. This change will take effect from 01 April 2010.

3. Non-Stipendiary Ministry - the eligibility for Supported Housing and the Nursing Home will be extended to allow those ordained in the ministry, but who had non-stipendiary ministry service matching that required from those in stipendiary service, with the proviso that they did not receive a subsidised service. This extension also applies to applicants from religious orders where the order would agree in advance to fully fund the costs. This change takes immediate effect from 21 January 2010.

For full details about these changes to the eligibility criteria, including an explanatory table of the increased years of service required, please click on Changes to Housing Eligibility Criteria.

Shared Ownership

The Shared Ownership scheme was introduced in 2008; its aim is to make home ownership an affordable option for retiring clergy and other beneficiaries who cannot afford to purchase outright on the open market. The Board purchase the property and then grant a 99 year lease to the shared owner. The minimum share that can be purchased is 25% of the property's value, but this will be based upon your individual financial circumstances. Rent is payable on the Board's share of the property.

Services charges are also payable, which smooth the costs of maintenance and repair, so there are no unexpected bills. You can buy further shares in your property at any time in the future (staircasing) up to owning it outright, or you can, when you move, sell the share that you own. The maximum contribution from the Board is currently fixed at £150,000.

Further information on Shared Ownership is available as downloads from this page; click on Key Features of the Shared Ownership Scheme and Booklet on Shared Ownership for Scheme Applications; or contact Maria Jacobs on 020 7898 1870, or maria.jacobs@c-of-e.org.uk

Rental Scheme

If you are approaching retirement age and are considering your future plans for your retirement home, the Board’s staff would be pleased to offer you some guidance.  You can download an “Initial Application Form” by clicking here. Please return the form, duly signed, to the Housing Department.

Supported Housing

With accommodation specifically designed for the needs of elderly people, the Board has provided a number of modern, purpose designed Supported Housing Schemes around the country for its beneficiaries, which are built to the highest standards. Accommodation is in the form of self contained flats within a caring Christian community, which enables residents to live an independent life, but still have the comfort, support and security of having fully trained staff on hand if needed, together with the companionship of others.

To download and print off an Application Form, details about Terms of Admission, the Allocations Policy, and Personal Allowances for residents who require a subsidy, please click here

For further information on each Supported Housing Scheme click the appropriate link below.

Ramsay Hall, Worthing, Sussex

Stuart Court, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicestershire

Gracey Court, Broadclyst, Devon

Dulverton Hall, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Fosbrooke House, Lytham, Lancashire

Capel Court, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Manormead, Hindhead, Surrey

Contact details for the Supported Housing Schemes

We have produced a DVD that brings to life what is on offer at the Board's seven Supported Housing Schemes and Care Home (with Nursing): please click here for details of the DVD.

Care Home (with Nursing)

For those beneficiaries who require nursing care, the Board administers a Care Home with full nursing which is able to accommodate 34 patients, mostly in their own rooms, but with a number of shared rooms for married couples. For information about Terms of Admission click here.

For further information on Manormead Care Home, in Hindhead, Surrey click here

If after reading the Housing Booklet, you have any specific questions applicable to your own circumstances, please telephone the office:

Main Switchboard 020 7898 1800  Main Fax 020 7898 1801

Housing Department Fax 020 7898 1857

Housing Enquiries email: housing@cepb.c-of-e.org.uk

Publications available in connection with Retirement Housing:

General

Retirement Housing Booklet

Initial Application Form

Shared Ownership

Shared Ownership Booklet

Personal Information Form

Occupants' Handbook

Key Features

Rental Properties

Choosing a Rental property notes

Supported Housing Schemes

Terms of Admission

Rent and Service Charges

Application Form

Allocations Policy

Personal Allowances

Contact details for the Supported Housing Schemes

Manormead Care Home (with Nursing)

Terms of Admission

Fees

LINKS

Retirement Housing Home Page

Supported Housing Schemes

Capel Court    Dulverton Hall    Fosbrooke House    Gracey Court    Manormead    Ramsay Hall       Stuart Court

Care Home (with Nursing)

Manormead Care Home

External

The Church of England Pensions Board's Retirement Housing page offers links to external websites for the convenience of its viewers. However, the Board is not responsible for the content of external websites and the provision of links does not imply endorsement.

For general information in respect of care and housing advice for older people, you may wish to access this link to:

 www.firststopadvice.org.uk      .