Leading Housing Associations Look To Join Forces

The Association has announced that it has entered into discussions that could lead it to merge forces with another of Tayside’s leading housing associations.

The talks have begun with Dundee based Servite Housing Association, which owns and manages 1700 homes across Tayside and Fife.

The governing bodies of both organisations have now agreed to appoint specialist consultants to put together a worked up business case for approval by the Scottish Housing Regulator.

“Early discussions have been positive and whilst there is a long way to go, I am certain that Servite is the kind of organisation that we can do business with,” commented PHA Chair Ian McMillan last night.

Explaining the rationale behind the proposed merger Mr. McMillan said,

“The Scottish Government agenda has for some time been focussed on housing associations becoming more efficient. We share the view of our colleagues at Servite that a merged organisation would produce economies which would result in a new, more robust organisation being better positioned to meet the challenges the housing sector faces.”

The Chair of Servite, Bill Robertson, was equally optimistic,

“It is of course early days and there is no doubt that as discussions proceed there will be difficulties to overcome. Our talks to date convince me however, that both organisations share a common ethos and have very similar objectives."

"I am certain that this is the right road to go down if we wish to build upon the outstanding work that both organisations have undertaken over the years."

"The organisations have different strengths and by joining forces we have the opportunity to create a major new force which I am sure would become a leading player in providing much needed new homes and services tailored to the needs of the communities that we seek to serve.”

Both Associations have pledged to fully consult their principal stakeholders as Chief Executive of Servite, Julie Cosgrove, explained,

“We understand and are sensitive to the fact that staff, tenants and voluntary members have a loyalty and empathy towards our organisations. Many have been with us since our earliest days and it is indeed one of our principal strengths that we enjoy such good will.

"Both Servite and Perthshire Housing Association are committed to fostering such relationships and at every stage in the process, staff and tenants will be consulted. Through listening to their views, I am confident that we can preserve and indeed strengthen the affinity that we currently enjoy."