Updated 08.02.16
Sovereign and Spectrum Housing Group in Merger Talks
Two housing associations have confirmed they are in talks about joining together to form a new 56,000-home organisation. If the merger goes ahead it will create the largest housing provider in the south and south west.
Sovereign and Spectrum Housing Group have been considering the move since last year following discussions about stock swaps as part of Sovereign's stock rationalisation plans.
During these discussions, it became clear that they shared more than a similar geography and there could be wider benefits to both organisations and their residents in merging.
Discussions will continue and if both Boards approve, the merger will go ahead by the end of the year.
_____
GHA Sheltered Housing Service Praised by Care Inspectorate
CARE inspectors have given Scotland's biggest social landlord a glowing report for its sheltered housing service.
Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) was praised by the Care Inspectorate for performing at a 'very good level with areas of excellent practice'.
GHA runs 21 sheltered housing complexes and two very sheltered housing complexes throughout Glasgow.
The Care Inspectorate, which regulates and inspects care services in Scotland, looked at key areas of the housing support service during the validation inspection.
The inspectors noted that 'the service maintained very high levels of quality assurance practice and service user satisfaction' and GHA 'continued to be proactive in identifying areas of development whilst maintaining positive outcomes for people who used the service'.
Inspectors praised the way the service communicates with tenants and the range of leisure and social activities on offer, including the Sheltered Housing's Got Talent competition, bake-offs and knitting, art and cooking sessions.
_____
AmicusHorizon Are Chosen as Southwark and London Diocesan's Partner
AmicusHorizon has been chosen by the Board of Southwark and London Diocesan Housing Association (SLDHA) as being the best partner to protect its legacy and values.
It means 277 homes across London will transfer to AmicusHorizon this year.
The decision followed a competitive process involving eleven housing associations. The process was supported by management consultancy Campbell Tickell.
Jonathan Card, Interim Chief Executive at SLDHA, said:
"We want the best for SLDHA residents and this transfer will enable them to be offered a wider range of services, as well as giving scope for more new homes to be built in due course."We were confident in choosing AmicusHorizon that we had found an organisation that shares our values."
