front door of almshouse

 

Almshouses

About

HIST has 16 almshouses in Hallaton; these are unfurnished dwellings. They are located on the High Street, North End, Hog Lane, and Hunts Lane.  The almshouse on Hunts Lane is a new build, single-storey, accessible bungalow completed in August 2021. In 2019, HIST was granted planning consent for 2 new build 1-bedroomed, single storey, accessible bungalows on Hog Lane to replace the existing Parish Store and electricity substation.  These bungalows will enable any of HIST's more senior residents (or selected new applicants) with mobility issues to stay locally in a single-storey dwelling.  

The aim of the almshouses is to provide villagers with affordable accommodation enabling them to stay in Hallaton if they wish to when the high cost of housing in the village may otherwise prevent them from doing so. Generations of young and older people from the village have benefited from this.

The criteria for occupancy of the almshouses are:

  1. A strong Hallaton connection
  2. Preference to those having spent their childhood in Hallaton and attended Hallaton School
  3. Preference to those who are active in the village community
  4. No distinction on age
  5. Income – cottages going to the least well off
  6. Able to live independently

Trustees use their discretion to judge applications on individual circumstances and adapt the guidelines as required.

Almshouses are usually appointed to a sole beneficiary. In the case of a joint appointment both occupiers have to be eligible beneficiaries in their own right. Occupancy is usually for a period of 3 years, when an assessment is made to consider continued eligibility.

How to Apply

If a cottage becomes vacant, it will be advertised in the local village newsletter (The Hare Pie), on social media, HIST's website, and other locations. Applicants will be required to submit an application form, setting out their details, including financial situation, and why they think they are eligible. All applications received by the specified closing date will be considered by the Trustees at their next meeting. If anyone is interested in applying for an almshouse, they should contact the Clerk to the Board of Trustees on info@hallatontrust.org.uk or call 07399 326889.