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Today The Wrekin Housing Group and Housing Plus Group have merged becoming one of the largest social housing providers in the West Midlands with 33,000 homes serving customers across Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin.Ìý

The new Housing Plus Group will respond to the clear priorities expressed by you, colleagues and key stakeholders in the recent consultation. It plans to invest an additional £55 million in existing homes and be a key developer of new homes over the next 5 years. This will help cement the new organisation’s leading role in providing affordable homes and care across our communities.  Ìý

Over 3,500 customers responded to the merger consultation which is now legally complete having achieved the relevant consents. Key priorities for you are repairs, improvements to your homes, building new homes and feeling safe in your homes.Ìý

The creation of the new Group will see the best of both organisations coming together to:  Ìý

• Continue to work with and listen to customers, and in doing so be able to provide better services for youÌý

• Be more resilient. Increasing investment in existing homes, while also growing our capacity to build more social homes Ìý

• Remain connected to the communities we already serve while having a larger voice in the region, with 1,800 employees, 33,000 homes and a turnover of more than £250million, we will create additional regional economic impact Ìý

• Provide more opportunities for our employees and be a great place to work Ìý

You may have noticed that our colleagues are wearing new Housing Plus Group lanyards (the cord worn around the neck) but our ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, Property Plus and Care Plus teams will still be carrying their usual photo ID.ÌýÌýÌý

These changes will not affect your right to live in your home. There will be no changes to your existing tenancy or lease agreement because of the merger. You will continue to access the services you need by contacting us in the same way and dealing with the same teams you do now.ÌýÌýÌý

During the first year, Catherine Dass, former Housing Plus Group board member, is our 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.  Ìý

Catherine Dass, Transition Chair of the new Housing Plus Group said: Ìý

“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.Ìý

“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.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

Wayne Gethings, Group Chief Executive of the New Housing Plus Group said:Ìý

“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.”Ìý

We are committed to listening to our customers and working with you to shape the services you receive from us. If you would like to see how you could get involved, visit our webpage: Improving your experience – ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.Ìý