Important update Merger talks

Why is Southway looking to merge with Wythenshawe Community Housing Group?

We are a strong and financially stable organisation, but we know challenges facing the housing sector are increasing.

So, we’ve shared plans to merge with neighbouring housing association Wythenshawe Community Housing Group to create one new organisation. This new organisation would own and manage around 21,000 homes across Greater Manchester and provide services for 40,000+ customers.

Tell me more about the partnership

This would be an equal partnership. By merging, we would create a new organisation with a new name and new shared values. By working together, we can combine resources to benefit customers and communities.

What does this mean for me as a customer?

The announcement doesn’t change anything for you right now. If it were to happen in the future, the merger would bring together the strengths and knowledge of two successful local housing associations with greater benefits for customers and communities - including better value for money.

How do customers have a say on the merger?

If you are a tenant, leaseholder or shared owner you will be able to have your say on the merger plans. We will write to you again in June to gather your views on the merger. This will take place through a survey and meetings. The survey will run for 10 weeks to give you time to review the plans and tell us what you think.

We’re also setting up a Joint Residents’ Group made up of customers from Southway Housing and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group who we can work closely with as things progress. Hearing directly from customers is important to both organisations.

Customer feedback will be reviewed before a final decision is made in the autumn.

Would the new housing association be able to build more homes?

Yes. Over time, with increased resources and funding opportunities, the new housing association would be able to build more affordable homes to help meet growing demand across Greater Manchester.

We have already committed to building 1,300 new homes by 2030, with Wythenshawe Community Housing Group committing to building a further 1,400 and we would hope to increase this over time as one larger organisation.

What about community investment?

If the merger went ahead, we would be able to invest more in communities through better collaboration, skills and resources. Southway’s commitment to invest £5 m in its communities by 2030 would still stand as would Wythenshawe Community Housing Group’s £10m community investment over the next few years. Over time, we’d hope to be able to increase this investment as one larger organisation.

When would a merger happen?

Merger talks are currently at an early stage, and we will review feedback from customers and colleagues before making a final decision in the autumn. If the merger was approved, it would happen later this year.

Who would lead the new organisation?

John Bowker, Southway Housing Trust’s current Chief Executive, would be Chief Executive of the new organisation if the merger’s approved.

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group’s Chair of the Board, Nick Crofts, would be the Chair of the new organisation if the merger goes ahead.

Both were selected through a robust process.

What would the new organisation be called?

A new name and identity would be developed to reflect the new partnership. This hasn’t been decided yet but would be confirmed around the time the merger happens, if it were to go ahead.

How will you ensure diverse communities including people with disabilities or language barriers are heard?

Equity is an important part of Southway’s culture and we’re proud to live this value by ensuring people have what they need to contribute and thrive. Our customer groups, committees and Board include people from a range of backgrounds and experiences, helping to reflect the communities we serve.

If you need help understanding any of our communication or need it in a different format or language, please contact us on 0161 448 4200. You can also find different formats on our website by clicking on the accessibility icon.

What happens if the merger doesn’t go ahead?

If the merger doesn’t go ahead, Southway Housing Trust will continue to run services as normal.

Would my landlord change?

In order to merge, the current plan is for Southway Housing to transfer its properties and engagements to Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and for the merged organisation to adopt a new name at the same time. So you would have a new landlord with a new name but the conditions of your tenancy or lease would not change as a result and you would have the same rights and protection that you have now.

Can I still access services, report repairs and contact you in the same way?

Yes. There are no proposed changes to your services or how you use them. You would pay your rent, book a repair or contact us in the same way. You can do this by phone, email, in person or online via our website or your online customer account.

Our office at Southern Gate and community centres would continue to stay open too.

There are also no planned changes to how you can make a complaint.

Would my rent increase as a result of the merger?

No. There would be no increase to your rent because of the merger.

Rent increases are made annually in line with Government guidelines and required notice periods for customers.

Would the level of service I receive change?

No, you would continue to receive the same level of service.

Should the merger happen, any changes to services in the future should be felt by customers in a positive way.  The merger is an opportunity to improve services and bring greater investment to our homes and communities.  

Would I have the same housing officer?

You would still speak to the same housing and neighbourhood teams.

What about my right to buy / acquire?

There are no changes that would affect customers’ eligibility for Right to Buy or Right to Acquire their home as a result of the merger.

What does this mean for me as a leaseholder?

This announcement doesn’t change anything right now for you. If the merger went ahead then the newly merged organisation would step into the place of Southway Housing - but the terms of your lease would not change.

Would service charges increase because of the merger?

No. Service charges would not increase because of the merger. Over time, we hope the merger would bring customers better value for money across a range of services.

Are building management arrangements changing?

No. There are no proposed changes to how your building is managed. 

Would my shared ownership agreement change?

No, there is no proposed change to your shared ownership agreement. If the merger went ahead then the newly merged organisation would step into the place of Southway Housing - but the terms of your shared ownership lease would not change.

Would I still have the same staircasing rights?

Yes. Your staircasing rights would not change.

Would the value of my home be affected?

House prices can change for lots of reasons, but these merger discussions are not expected to have a negative impact on the value of your home.