An organisation that owns most of Epsom’s social housing could soon join another housing association to help create one of the UK’s biggest housing groups.

Rosebery Housing Association, which manages about 2,500 properties, predominately in Epsom and Ewell, intends to merge with Raglan Housing.

Both boards have agreed in principle that Rosebery would become a subsidiary of Raglan, which owns and manages five times as many homes across nearly 100 local authorities.

The decision is expected in October. If a separate deal goes ahead between Raglan and Jephson Housing Association Group, it would make the housing group one of the largest in the UK.

Rosebery chief executive, Deborah Pike, said: “We believe this could bring significant benefits for residents including helping us provide much-needed affordable homes in the area, investment in your neighbourhoods, increased choice and mobility, excellent service standards and better value for money.”

Epsom Council transferred its council housing stock to Rosebery in 1994.

Councillor Neil Dallen, chairman of the strategy and resources committee, said: “It could be good news if Raglan gives more money for investing in social housing and supports them better.

“It could be bad news if it dictates what is happening and move residents out.

“It is ‘wait and see’ at the moment.”

Coun Dallen said Rosebery would keep providing the same services and tenants might get greater choice if they wanted to move elsewhere.

He said: “I see no cause for concern or panic.”

Councillor Sheila Carlson, who used to be on Rosebery’s board, said: “It could mean more money would be put into actually looking at tenants being better treated, getting things done and maintenance of properties.

“If that is going to go forward, then from the point of view of tenants it is good.”

But she said Raglan could just act as a distant landlord in order to enhance its portfolio without bringing benefits to tenants.

She said: “It remains to be seen what sort of company Raglan is and how it is going to treat its outpost.”

Besides Epsom, Rosebery has some homes in Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead and surrounding areas, while Raglan covers swathes across the Midlands and the South of England.

A Rosebery spokeswoman said: “The intention is to create an outstanding business that can build more homes and which offers improved benefits for both residents and staff.”

She said it was proposed that within 18 months of a decision, assets would be transferred to become part of a single group.

She said: “As housing associations are not-for-profit organisations, there is no ‘buying’ of Rosebery, it will keep the name, the assets would remain within the subsidiary and Rosebery will keep a base in Epsom.

“It does mean Raglan’s board will be involved in decisions about the way Rosebery is run.”

Email your views to futureoptions @rosebery.org.uk or call Rosebery on 01372 814000 or freephone 0800 068 7664.

Consultation dates: 

Tuesday August 20

• 10am to 11.30am – Longmead shops.

• 12.30pm to 2pm – By Tesco, Horton Lane.

• 3pm to 4.30pm – Colne Court playground, Watersedge.

• 3pm to 7pm – Rosebery offices, 57-59 South Street.

Wednesday August 28

• 10.30am to noon – coffee morning at Tomlin Court.

• 1pm to 2.30pm – afternoon tea at John Gale Court.

• 3pm to 4pm – afternoon tea at Norman Colyer Court.

 

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