22 March 2010 - New era for Merton residents in one of London’s largest stock transfers

The move marks the start of Merton Priory Homes’ multi-million pound investment programme, and follows tenants’ vote to transfer to the new, not for profit housing association last June. In the run up to transfer residents were consulted about the improvements and investments they would like to see and Merton Priory Homes has made over 90 promises to residents based on this consultation.

Merton Priory Homes will now work with residents to deliver an ambitious investment programme as part of its mission to enhance residents’ Life Chances by providing great homes, reliable services and creating sustainable communities. This includes a £129 million investment programme in homes and estates over the first ten years, £383 million over 30 years, new and improved services and a commitment to ensure that the support services meet residents’ needs...

...As added value a £1 million community fund is being established and Merton Priory Homes will work with residents to invest this in projects and initiatives across the borough. In addition more than £200,000 a year has been allocated to neighbourhood community budgets – which residents will decide how to spend.

The team at Merton Priory Homes has been working closely with Merton Council and residents to ensure a smooth transition and around 200 staff from the council will be transferring over to Merton Priory Homes.

Pauline Ford, Managing Director of Merton Priory Homes, said: “Our team has been working hard to get to this moment and we are well prepared to hit the ground running. It is really exciting to be working with Merton residents to create a more positive future and better place to live. Our priority now is to focus on delivering the promises we have made to residents, and ensure that our residents are at the heart of our organisation every step of the way”

Mark Rogers, Chief Executive of Circle Anglia, said: “Our strong track record as an organisation built on stock transfers means that we have the knowledge and experience to work with Merton Priory Homes, to ensure that we meet our promises and deliver real change to residents in Merton. We’re committed to enhancing Life Chances by providing better homes, delivering great customer service and investing in the wider community and this is a wonderful opportunity to help more people.”

Councillor Linda Scott, Merton Council’s cabinet member for housing and community services, said: “The transfer is the most significant change to take place in the history of council housing in Merton. It will ensure sustained improvements to the standard of social housing for leaseholders and tenants in the years to come.

“The greatest thing about this is that it was Merton’s tenants who took the decision to vote ‘Yes’ to transfer and all the positive changes that come with it. Merton Priory Homes will have the resources and capacity to improve homes, estates and services up to the standard we know residents want to see - the ‘Merton Standard’.”

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Further information

For further information please contact the press office on phone 0845 234 0824 or email pressoffice@circleanglia.org

22/03/10 10:43