The Wrekin Housing Group and Housing Plus Group complete merger

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 and Telford & Wrekin.

The new Housing Plus Group will respond to the clear priorities expressed by customers, employees and key stakeholders in the recent consultation. It plans to invest an additional £55 million in existing homes and will 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.  

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

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

- Continue to work with and listen to customers, and in doing so be able to provide even better services for them

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

- 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 

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

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

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

“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.”

“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.” 

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

"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."