Two housing associations have joined forces to become one of the largest operators in the Tayside and Fife area.
The merger of Servite and Perthshire housing associations was announced on Monday.
The newly-formed Caledonia Housing Association will have a turnover of more than £15 million and will be a significant local employer. The new association is expected to employ more than 200 workers at offices in Dundee and Perth.
Caledonia’s chief executive officer, Julie Cosgrove, said: ”As part of an ongoing review into staffing within both of the former organisations, we are aiming to have no compulsory redundancies, although a small number of staff have opted for voluntary redundancy.”
Asked to clarify if there would be a net loss or gain in the number of jobs, a spokeswoman added: ”The focus is on creating a small number of new posts we cannot put a number on it as the review is long-term and ongoing.”
Caledonia now owns and manages around 4,000 properties and has plans to build 100 more homes in Perthshire and Angus next year. The housing association has also made a major commitment to investing in its existing properties, with an average of £3-4 million being spent on improvements and maintenance each year.
The management of the new body believes it will be well placed to deal with the challenges facing the affordable housing sector while maintaining high levels of service and support for residents.
”Delivering optimum customer care to our residents is at the very heart of this merger, particularly in increasingly challenging environments,” said Mrs Cosgrove.
”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.”
Ian McMillan, the chairman of the new association, added: ”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.”