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Landlord enters merger talks with small housing association
A large social landlord has entered merger talks with a small housing association in the South West of England.
If successful, the merger plans would mean 357-home South Devon Rural Housing Association will join 240,000-home Places for People (PfP) in the coming months.
The landlords said the merger would result in more affordable housing in South Devon, as well as investment in South Devon Rural’s existing homes.
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The merger plans are subject to a six-week consultation with tenants, who will all receive an information pack from South Devon Rural shortly with more information on the plans, and guidance on how they can share their views.
Greg Reed, chief executive of Places for People, said: “The need for affordable housing is greater than ever and we absolutely must protect it in the best way we can so people everywhere in the country have somewhere to call home.
“Having affordable housing in areas such as South Devon is so important in ensuring people are not forced out of living in rural communities, particularly when this is where they have built a life.”
He added that the merger “would allow us to commit the resources needed to protect and build upon the great work South Devon Rural has done” since it was established in 1958.
“We want to work together to create opportunities for delivering more new affordable homes in this part of the country,” Mr Reed said.
Christine Candlish, chief executive of South Devon Rural, said: “We have a long and incredibly proud history of providing the affordable homes that people need in South Devon and the wider region, supported by our dedicated and hardworking staff.
“Our focus has always been on doing the best for our communities and our customers and this merger would help us to sustain and expand that mission.
“This partnership would enable the level of investment required to ensure our existing homes continue to be maintained to the very best standard and that more much-needed affordable homes can be built here in the future.
“We understand that change brings questions, and we’re committed to transparent communication with our tenants, who will be able to play a full part in the upcoming consultation process.”
The news comes after Reidvale Housing Association, which owns 897 homes in the East End of Glasgow, said that 61.8% of tenants voted in favour of a proposed transfer to the Scottish arm of Places for People.
