Tenants put their Trust in new provider

97 per cent vote for a switch

Wishaw & District Housing Association (WDHA) will cease to exist after tenants resoundingly voted to transfer into a larger association.

Over 97 per cent of tenants voted yes to the proposed transfer into Trust Housing Association with an impressive 73.3% of tenants taking the opportunity to cast their vote.

Rhona McLeod, Trust’s CEO, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Wishaw & District tenants have voted in favour of the transfer and we look forward to welcoming them and the fantastic staff team into the Trust family in the coming months.

“The partnership will combine the strengths, capabilities, assets and traditions of both organisations to create a stronger entity that can deliver a thriving future for tenants, other customers and staff.”

WDHA shareholding members will now be invited to two special general meetings on October 7 and 22 to approve, then confirm, a special transfer resolution which is required by law.

Once the transfer is complete, Wishaw & District will no longer exist as a housing association and Trust will become responsible for delivering the homes and services currently provided by WDHA.

Subject to final consents being achieved, the transfer is expected to complete in December 2019.

Trust are now getting ready to start delivering on the promises made to WDHA tenants including a rent guarantee; additional investment in homes and the local environment; and new affordable housing on the prominent Main Street site in Wishaw which has been derelict for some years.

Services will continue to be delivered by the local staff team based in Wishaw.

Julia Mulloy, WDHA’s chairperson, said: “The board were very happy with the package of transfer promises that we secured from Trust.

“These will make a huge positive difference to our tenants in terms of improved rent affordability and additional investment in homes and communities.

“Our staff will continue to provide great local services to our tenants, but with the backing and scale of Trust.

“We were delighted that so many tenants took the opportunity to vote with a clear majority voting in favour.

“This provides a strong mandate for Trust going forward to deliver on the promises they have made.”