The ARC-Addington Fund

Trustees Discretionary Fund

1. Q: Can I apply for a grant, even if I have savings?

1. A: No. we can only help in circumstances where you have no other options available to you. Whilst we would not encourage reckless borrowing, if it is possible for your bank to provide a solution to your financial situation, we would ask that you investigate this avenue of funding first.

1. Q: How do I apply for a grant?

1. A: You can either download an application form from our website or alternaively telephone the office and we will be happy to send you one in the post. If you are unsure about filling in forms, we can arrange for someone to call round to help you with the application. Please ask.

1. Q: I am having problems paying my feed bills. My farm income just doesn’t seem to meet the costs these days. Can I apply to your TDF?

1. A: No – the TDF is for unforeseen expenses incurred by viable farm businesses. If your farm is not viable and you think you may have to leave, our SRHS may be able to help.

1. Q: I have just had a positive bTB test. Can I apply for help with the extra costs involved?

1. A: In unforeseen cases, we may be able to help. Please call the office 02476 690587 to discuss your particular situation.

1. Q: Will I be expected to repay my grant?

1. A: No you won't. The grant is to help you in times of financial need and we do not expect it to be repaid. If, in the future your financial situation improves, we are always happy to accept donations to continue our work and help others.

1. Q: Will the TDF pay for any animal vaccination costs?

1. A: We regret that we do not have sufficient finances to pay for such costs.

Strategic Rural Housing Scheme

1. Q: How do I qualify for your Strategic Rural Housing Scheme?

1. A: You must be leaving a farm business and therefore losing your home. Reasons for leaving include retirement, ill health or non- viability of the business. If you’d like to discuss your circumstances, please contact the office. However, eligibility does not guarantee success – there is a selection process.

1. Q: How much are your rents?

1. A: Our rents are based on how much your house will have cost us to buy including legal fees and surveys. We charge £350 pcm for every £100,000 of total purchase price. For an example a house costing £180,000 (inc costs) would cost you £630 per month. We would advise you to investigate housing benefit if you feel this may be out of your budget and your District Council should be able to help you find out if you are eligible.

1. Q: I always thought my final farm sale would finance a bungalow in the village, but this is no longer the case. I will have some money, but it will not be enough to buy a house outright. Can I apply?

1. A: Yes - approximately half our houses are in a ‘shared equity’ arrangement, where our tenants have a financial interest in the house. The percentage is calculated and rent reduced accordingly, but the landlord’s responsibilities eg external maintenance, insurance are also split according to the percentage. If and when the house is sold, the proceeds are divided on the same basis.

1. Q: I am a farm worker and will lose my home as a result of redundancy. Am I eligible?

1. A: No - we are sorry, but are unable to house those who have not run their own business.

1. Q: I am interested in applying to you for housing but don't know how to go about doing so. Can you help me

1. A: Yes, indirectly we can. We have very close links with another farming charity called Farm Crisis Network. They have members nationwide who know and understand farming and farmers and we can arrange for them to come to your house, sit down and discuss your options with you. They won’t abandon you to deal with anything on your own and can help you talk things through

1. Q: I have to leave the farm, but don’t really know what I want to do long term. Would you consider buying a house for a few years while I make up my mind.

1. A: No- buying and selling houses is an expensive and time consuming business and so we would like you to be certain of where you want to be beforehand.

1. Q: I see you try to keep families within their locality. We would like to move further away to be near our family. Is this possible?

1. A: Yes – we try to house families in the area of their choice. This is often nearby because of work, schools, friends and families, but can be a different area if that is required.

1. Q: What sort of tenancy agreements do you have?

1. A: We use standard Assured Shorthold Tenancies. These give an initial six month commitment, then the tenant has to give 1 month’s notice and the landlord 2 months. This is not because we think it should be a temporary arrangement – far from it, we wish it to be long term – but to give us protection. Usually both husband and wife are joint tenants.

1. Q: When I leave the farm, I would like to do some contracting and keep a few animals. Would you buy a house with a large yard and a few acres?

1. A: No. We only buy ordinary residential homes. If you wish to run a business that involves more space you would have to find additional premises which you would have to fund yourself.