'I could lose home because I won't go to chapel'

A woman living at an historic almshouse says she is being threatened with eviction for not attending its chapel.

Sandy Smith, a 69-year-old atheist, has lived at the Charterhouse, in Hull, for almost five years, but said she had now been placed under investigation by the charity's trustees.

A residents' handbook states that everyone must attend the on-site chapel on Sundays unless excused by the "master" of the organisation, who is appointed by Hull City Council.

The Charterhouse, which was founded in 1384, declined to comment. The council said the Charterhouse operated "in accordance" with a scheme approved by the Charity Commissioners.

Ms Smith, who has a chronic lung disease, fears she could lose her flat.

She said a governance document lodged with the Charity Commission stated that any resident who was not a member of the Church of England and who applied to be excused "shall be excused from attendance".

"I did go to chapel for about a year, but some of the sermons I found offensive," she said.

"I took this up with the former master, who would not give me permission not to attend, so I didn't return, and ever since then I have had a sequence of letters and warnings saying that it is part of my agreement to stay here that I go to chapel every week.

"I am just not prepared to do that."

An almshouse is a form of charitable housing.

The Charterhouse provides supported independent living for up to 40 residents over the age of 60.

The residents' handbook describes the Charterhouse as "a religious foundation" and states that "all residents are required by the scheme to attend divine service in the chapel on Sundays... unless excused from attendance by the master". "There is also a service every Wednesday which residents are requested to attend."

The handbook goes on to state that "chapel absences may invalidate your license to occupy".

Ms Smith, who moved to the Charterhouse during the Covid-19 pandemic, said the worry of losing her home was taking its toll on her mental wellbeing.

"I just think it is unreasonable and I am going to fight it," she said.

"This flat is probably one of the best flats I've ever lived in. I've got a lovely view, I'm central and I can afford the rent.

"The historical part of the building is fantastic, but this is the housing project that they are getting rents for and the two should not be conflated in my opinion."

The story was initially reported by The Hull Story website.

Ms Smith has been asked to attend a panel with the trustees of the charity later.

A letter from the Charterhouse dated February 10 said the panel would report its conclusions to the full board of trustees, who would decide whether to take no further action, issue a verbal warning, issue a written warning or "set aside the appointment".

The BBC put all Ms Smith's points to the Charterhouse, which declined to comment.

Hull City Council, which is responsible for appointing the master and some of the trustees, said the Charterhouse operated "in accordance with a scheme that has been approved by the Charity Commissioners and was most recently revised in December 2015".

"The trustees that are appointed by the council exercise their personal responsibility as trustees to manage the properties in accordance with the requirements of the approved scheme," the council added.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.