Hanover Scotland has completed its merger with Renfrewshire based Arklet Housing Association.
The final formalities were completed last week and sees Arklet’s 384 properties and their residents become part of Hanover Scotland. The decision comes after a vote by Arklet residents in September when 98% supported the merger.
Hanover Scotland say the move will allow Arklet residents to access a broader range of services and become part of the organisation’s move to increase engagement in order to shape better services across Scotland.
Although on a practical level, there will be very little change for Arklet residents in the short term and services will continue to be provided via existing staff at Giffnock, it is hoped that by being part of the larger organisation there will be better access for staff and residents to services such as digital training.
Helen Murdoch, Chief Executive of Hanover Scotland, said: “I am delighted that Hanover Scotland’s merger with Arklet has now been completed and we can welcome those residents to our housing family.”
“This merger was overwhelming supporters by members, with 98% in favour and we have had fantastic support from the Arklet team as well as the Scottish Housing Regulator and others.”
“These residents join us at a critical time when Hanover is seeking to transform itself and be at the forefront of the future development of housing, health and social care. We have just completed a programme to better understand the emotional needs of our residents to help us shape the way in which we work on behalf of residents and the former Arklet residents will greatly assist us in that endeavour.”
“Over the coming months, we will be taking steps to harmonise our service and business systems. However, we would like to reassure Arklet residents that there will be very little immediate change to the service arrangements as Hanover will continue to provide services through the existing staff team based at the Giffnock office.”
Iain Wallace, Chair of Arklet, said: “Arklet has done the right thing – our members twice voted unanimously to merge with Hanover and I share their confidence for a positive, sustainable future with our new partner. Its bittersweet that the Arklet brand will disappear considering our unique history but our commitment to customers and staff, and care for their welfare, will carry on ever stronger with Hanover.”