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Non-compliant landlord formally joins Places for People
Non-compliant landlord Origin Housing has formally joined Places for People (PfP).
As of 16 April, Origin – with its 7,800 homes across London and the Home Counties – has formally joined the giant housing association as a subsidiary and will begin to transition fully into the group over the next year.
PfP said that the tie-up, approved by shareholders in February, would result in an additional £100m of investment in Origin homes over 10 years post-merger, as well as improved local services and a “stronger voice” for residents.
The pledge was double the £50m PfP originally promised Origin residents as merger talks began in October.
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Tenancies will not be impacted by the “seamless” merger, PfP said, adding that repairs, paying rent and service charges or raising issues with neighbourhood managers will continue to be delivered by existing staff from existing offices.
Greg Reed, group chief executive of Places for People, said the merger “will benefit everyone”.
He said: “This year will mark 100 years since Origin Housing was founded, and together we will build on this great legacy of delivering affordable, quality housing in this part of the country. We will be able to use our resources to invest an additional £100m into these 7,800 homes so we can ensure they are improved and maintained to the best standard.”
Mr Reed said PfP would “support a wider range of services” by recruiting, retaining and developing staff “who know the area”.
He added: “In the longer term we will be looking to create community hubs and will be investing in ways that customers can have a stronger voice on things that matter to them most.”
Carol Carter, chief executive of Origin Housing, said: “The partnership brings so many benefits for our customers, meaning we will be able to invest in their homes, continue to build new homes and maintain our community focus.”
She added: “I see this as the next stage of our evolution”.
In December, Origin was downgraded to non-compliant V3/G3 viability and governance grades by the Regulator of Social Housing.
It had sought to sell off its retirement homes in Essex late last year but was forced to retain the properties after it received no bids.
In February, PfP received approval for a merger with another small landlord, South Devon Rural Housing Association.
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