Housing groups complete merger to become one of largest providers in the West Midlands
Two housing groups that service Shropshire and the wider region have merged to become one of the largest social housing providers in the West Midlands.
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The merger between Wrekin Housing Group and Housing Plus Group, now means between them, the organisations will have 33,000 homes on their books serving customers across Shropshire, Staffordshire and Telford & Wrekin.
The new organisation will use the name Housing Plus Group and will respond to the priorities expressed by customers, employees and key stakeholders in a recent consultation.
It plans to invest an additional £55 million in existing homes and will be a key developer of new houses over the next five years.
This will help cement the new organisation’s leading role in providing affordable homes and care across communities in the region.
Over 3,500 customers responded to the merger consultation which is now legally complete having achieved the relevant consents.
The group said key priorities for its customers were found to be repairs, improvements to their homes, building new homes and feeling safe in their homes.
The creation of the new group will see both organisations coming together to continue to work with and listen to customers.
It also said it will be more resilient increasing investment in existing homes, while also growing capacity to build more social homes.
The new group will have 1,800 employees, 33,000 homes and a turnover of more than £250 million.
During the first year, Catherine Dass, former Housing Plus Group board member, will be the group's Transition Chair of the new group.
She is joined by Debbie Griffiths, former board member of The Wrekin Housing Group, as Vice-Chair.
Wayne Gethings takes on the role of Group Chief Executive.
Ms Dass, Transition Chair of the new Housing Plus Group, said: “Together, as the new Housing Plus Group, we are stronger.
"We are taking the best from each organisation and creating greater capacity to invest more in homes and services, strengthen our customer voice and support people impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
“Both organisations have a proud history of putting people at the heart of everything we do. By bringing together our strengths, resources, and strong community focus, the new group will be a great place to work for our people and provide better services to our tenants and customers.”
Mr Gethings, Group Chief Executive of the New Housing Plus Group, said: "This merger represents an exciting new chapter, bringing together two outstanding organisations with a shared commitment to improving lives and communities.
“By uniting our strengths and expertise, we are building a housing association that is stronger, more resilient, and better positioned to deliver quality landlord services and homes for all our customers.
"As the new Housing Plus Group, we’re ready to create lasting, positive change for the people and communities we serve."
