Housing association stock swap brings benefits to residents

Release:  29 February 2012

Cambridgeshire, Surrey and London residents are to benefit from an agreement to swap 779 properties between housing associations A2Dominon and Metropolitan Housing Partnership (MHP).

The aim of the transfer, which took place on 29 February, is to provide residents with more locally-based services.

This will include a quicker response for residents when they require a site visit from their housing officer to resolve any issues. Residents will also benefit from a housing association with a greater local presence and strong, established relationships with key partners such as the police and the local authority. Before the transfer, both organisations owned a small number of properties in areas that were far away from their regional offices and the rest of their homes.

Andrew Evans, A2Dominion’s Executive Director (Operations), said: “Improving the services we provide for our residents is a key priority.  Our stock rationalisation programme and this stock swap with Metropolitan Housing Partnership, allows us to invest in communities where we have a significant number of homes in our ownership.”

Sheila Morcombe, Project Manager (Special Projects) at MHP, which will change its name to Metropolitan in April 2012, said: “When we first consulted the residents affected back in early 2011 and explained the benefits, residents on both sides were in favour of the change. This transfer is part of a wider plan to concentrate on the key areas in which we manage homes, so we can deliver our services efficiently and provide our residents with good value for money.”

The swap does not change the legal rights of the residents. Rents are also unaffected by the changes.

-Ends-

Media contacts:

Clare Noonan, Corporate Communications Manager, Metropolitan Housing Partnership, 020 3535 4380 or clare.noonan@metropolitan.org.uk

Lizzie Yates, Senior Communications Officer, A2 Dominion Group, 020 8825 1661/ 07545 500939

Notes to editors

About Metropolitan Housing Partnership

Metropolitan Housing Partnership (MHP) is a unique network of locally focused member organisations working together to provide housing, community, regeneration, care and support services. For more information visit: www.metropolitan.org.uk.

From April 2012 Metropolitan Housing Partnership and all its member organisations will operate under the one brand name of Metropolitan.

About A2Dominion

The A2Dominion Group is one of the country’s leading providers of high quality housing. It provides over 34,000 homes across London and southern England with thousands in development. The Group offers a wide range of housing options including affordable rented, temporary, student, sheltered, supported and key worker accommodation. It also has homes for sale and shared ownership through the A2Dominion New Homes brand. Visit www.a2dominion.co.uk/newhomes for more information.