What accommodation is available?
Wheelhouse Square Flats has 28 one bedroomed and 4 two bedroomed unfurnished flats in 4 two storey purpose-built blocks set around lawned gardens.
The flats all have the benefit of double glazing and both roof and wall insulation. Energy performance certificates are available in respect of each flat.
Each flat includes a fitted kitchen and bathroom with either a shower cubicle or wet room.
Gas central heating from a communal boiler providing back ground heating is included in the services provided to residents. Each flat has its own hot water system which is electrically powered. There is no gas supply to the individual flats.
Each flat is fitted with an emergency call system and a smoke alarm which are both connected to the Warden’s office.
Residents are responsible for the cost of their own electricity supply which includes the cost of the provision of hot water.
What is the status of the Residents?
Residents occupy their flat as an almshouse which means they are subject to different legal arrangements from private, council or housing association tenancies.
Residents are ‘appointees’ of Wheelhouse Square Flats and not ‘tenants’. A resident occupies their flat under licence of the Trustees of Wheelhouse Square Flats for which they pay a weekly maintenance contribution not a rent.
The terms and conditions of the licence are contained in a Letter of Appointment.
Since the flats are almshouses there is no ‘right-to-buy’ them.
What fees are payable by the Residents?
Residents pay a weekly maintenance contribution which is based on the fair rent for their flat and includes a share of the cost of the services provided by Wheelhouse Square Flats. This contribution qualifies for Housing Benefit.
Maintenance contributions are payable by standing order every 4 weeks in advance.
For a single flat the maintenance contribution is £87.50 per week and for a double flat it is £127.50 per week.
The level of maintenance contribution payable is reviewed by the Trustees of Wheelhouse Square Flats every April in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Letter of Appointment.
Residents are also liable to pay council tax to the local authority and water charges to the water authority as well as for their own electricity supply. There is no gas supply to the flats.
Residents have the benefit of the use of a laundry room equipped with washing machines and dryers which are operated by means of tokens available for purchase from the Warden when she is on duty.
The tokens cost £0.90 each.
The cost of the tokens is reviewed by the Trustees of Wheelhouse Square Flats every April in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Letter of Appointment.
There is a guest room that residents’ visitors can stay in on a short-term basis. The cost per night is £18.50 for a single occupant and £23.50 for two occupants. The cost is reviewed by the Trustees of Wheelhouse Square Flats every April in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Letter of Appointment.
How are Residents appointed?
The appointment of a resident to occupy one of the flats in Wheelhouse Square Flats is at the discretion of the Trustees of Wheelhouse Square Flats following receipt of an application form and an interview with one or more of the Trustees.
It is recommended that you contact the Warden to discuss your interest in applying before completing an application form available from the Warden.
The Warden via the online form on this website.
Alternatively, you can telephone on 01723 374162 (between 9.00am and 12 midday Monday to Saturday only)
What services are provided for Residents?
There is a resident Warden who occupies a flat above the Warden’s office. The Warden is available to the residents between 9.00 am and 12 midday Monday to Saturday but is not available Sunday. There is an emergency call system connected to the Warden’s office which is monitored remotely whenever the Warden is not in residence.
The Warden will check on the welfare of all residents by telephone every morning except Sunday.
Wheelhouse Square Flats is not a care home or nursing home and while the Warden is available to help residents and deal with emergencies the Warden is not a carer and does not provide personal or other care for residents.
Each flat is fitted with an emergency call system and a smoke alarm which are both connected to the Warden’s office.
Gas central heating from a communal boiler providing back ground heating is included in the services provided to residents.
Residents have the benefit of the use of a community room with tea and coffee making facilities and an adjoining orangery. The community room is used for occasional social events or meetings but is otherwise always available for the use of residents.
Residents also have the benefit of the use of a laundry room equipped with washing machines and dryers which are operated by means of tokens available for purchase from the Warden when she is on duty.
Residents with mobility scooters have the benefit of the use of a dedicated storage unit complete with charging points. Residents require permission from the Trustees of Wheelhouse Square Flats to bring a mobility scooter into Wheelhouse Square and must comply with the terms of the Mobility Scooter Policy which regulates the retention and use of mobility scooters in Wheelhouse Square for the safety and wellbeing of all residents. A copy of the Policy is to be found under Policies and other documents.
There is a guest room that residents’ visitors can stay in on a short-term basis. There is a modest cost per night which is payable to the Warden on or before departure.
How do I qualify as a Resident?
To qualify as a resident you must satisfy all of the following conditions:
- be resident in the Borough of Scarborough;
- be of “limited means”; and
- be able to look after yourself without the need of medical assistance
In considering whether or not to appoint an applicant as a resident the Trustees of Wheelhouse Square Flats will take account of the following eligibility criteria:
- Area of benefit
Applicants must reside in the area of benefit. This is defined as the Borough of Scarborough. - Residence
Preference will be given to those born in the area of benefit. - Age
Preference will be given to applicants aged 60 years and over. - Financial
– Applicants must be on a low income (‘limited means’).
– Applicants can have moderate savings (‘limited means’).
– Applicants must be able to support themselves financially, especially those who do not receive housing or council tax benefits, and must be able to meet the weekly maintenance contribution from their own resources.
- Health
Applicants must be able to live independently but can have a local authority care package (care workers coming one – three times a day to help with washing, dressing, and meals). Applicants must have sufficient mobility to be able to be able to carry out simple tasks for themselves once the carer has left for the day. This is because the Warden is not permitted to offer any form of assistance with personal care or the administration of medication. - Community
Applicants must be able to participate and enjoy living in the community and benefit from communal living. - Owner occupiers
Applications from persons owning their own home/s, or who have the proceeds of the sale of their home/s will only be considered when:
– no other suitable applicants in greater need have presented themselves; and
– the proceeds of any sale, after sale costs, would if invested provide them with substantially less than the national average income after pensions and all other sources of income are taken into account. - Pets policy
No pets are permitted due to the difficulties with caring for these if the resident falls ill.