A NEW housing association has been unveiled in Scotland, paving the way for a robust response to the challenges facing the affordable housing sector while retaining the highest levels of service and support for residents.
Dundee-based Servite Housing Association has joined forces with Perthshire Housing Association to form Caledonia Housing Association, one of the largest associations in the region.
The new organisation will boast a turnover of over £15 million and be a significant employer in the area.
With offices in both Dundee and Perth, Caledonia Housing Association will employ almost 200 staff and own and manage around 4,000 properties, with plans to build up to 100 additional housing units within Perthshire and Angus within the next year.
Caledonia Housing Association has also made a major commitment to investment in its existing properties with an average of £3-4 million per annum being spent on improvements and maintenance.
The association will also maintain a strong focus on continuing to build additional new properties across the region.
The merger of two respected associations offers a real opportunity to review how services are delivered, focussing on quality and value for money.
This will see a new customer information centre put in place to offer a modern approach to dealing with customer enquiries.
Julie Cosgrove, chief executive of Caledonia Housing Association, commented: “Delivering optimum customer care to our residents is at the very heart of this merger, particularly in increasingly challenging environments.
“The merger will allow us to deliver high-quality services during tough times for both housing associations and their residents.
“Ultimately, this is our way of responding to the challenges which exist in the wider environment, using our resources more effectively, driving efficiencies and improving services.
“By joining forces, we create a stronger, more rounded organisation, focusing on all client groups from families to older people and those requiring additional support.”
Meanwhile, Ian McMillan, chair of Caledonia Housing Association, commented: “The creation of Caledonia is the culmination of over 18 months of discussion and consultation with a range of agencies and, most importantly, our tenants.
“It provides the ideal opportunity to build on the strengths of both organisations for the benefit of our tenants.
“Further benefits will be realised through our financial strength which will allow us to continue to build new affordable homes in the region.
“I would also like to acknowledge both the commitment and positivity of our residents and staff which has been evident throughout this process.”
For more information, telephone 01382 480915, email enquiries@caledoniaha.co.uk or visit www.caledoniaha.co.uk.
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS
For more information or to arrange an interview with Julie Cosgrove, Chief Executive, please contact:
Claire Grainger, Grainger Public Relations – telephone 07912 324 264, email claire@graingerpr.co.uk or website www.graingerpr.co.uk.
Claire Grainger
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