Housing associations begin partnership talks

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities

Two housing associations have begun partnership talks to improve services to tenants and service users.

Discussions are in the early stages between Irvine and Barony Housing Associations and an extensive consultation process will take place with tenants and staff to ensure all views are taken into account before any decisions are made.

Irvine, which is part of the Riverside Group, owns over 2,000 homes in Irvine and Kilwinning in North Ayrshire, Drongan in East Ayrshire and Dumfries in Dumfries & Galloway, whilst Barony runs 400 properties across West Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife, Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.

Paul Hillard, managing director of Irvine, said: “Barony Housing Association is a first-class provider of care and support services. We are excited by the expertise that Barony can bring to Riverside’s operation in Scotland and the potential to enhance the services we currently provide.”

Rebecca Wilson, chief executive of Barony said: “We have seen the benefits that being part of Riverside has brought to Irvine Housing Association and its customers. A partnership with Riverside will equip us to effectively respond to on-going challenges and create capacity for us to develop and continuously improve our business. This will allow us to strive for excellence, invest in innovation and grow to the benefit of our tenants and service users.”