CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council has expressed its disappointment that its offer to protect Tai Cantref Housing Association’s tenants and staff as a preferred partner has not been taken forward.
A statement detailing the proposal made by the Council to the Tai Cantref Board, says its offer would have guaranteed no compulsory redundancies at the troubled housing association.
In addition, the Council has said that it would have ensured no rent rises for tenants, the possibility of expansion at the existing Tai Cantref base in Newcastle Emlyn.
The Council also claims that had its interest led to it being granted preferred bidder status, it would have provided complete financial security for lenders and created a solid base for the further expansion of social housing across west Wales.
Cllr Linda Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Housing, said: “We are naturally disappointed that, at this stage, the board of Tai Cantref have chosen to seek a partnership with another social housing provider.
“However the only real matter of importance is that Wales and the West gives a good offer to the tenants and staff who could be adversely affected. As a council we will look on with interest as it communicates its plans for the association and its employees. We will continue to offer any assistance necessary to the association to support them over the interim period.”
The Herald put Carmarthenshire County Council’s statement to the announced preferred bidder for Cymdeithas Tai Cantref, Wales & West Housing. In particular we asked whether Wales & West would confirm it would:
- Guarantee no compulsory redundancies
- Protect the brand and ethos of the association with an understanding and experience of the central importance of the Welsh language in this region of Wales
- Avoid rent rises
Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of Wales & West Housing, said: “We are delighted that Cymdeithas Tai Cantref has chosen us as their preferred partner. We share many of the same values and commitments of putting the resident first, respecting the Welsh language and achieving a vision of strong, sustainable growth.
“The merger of our two organisations provides a fabulous opportunity to make a difference in meeting housing needs in West Wales.
“We both have a strong track record of developing new homes to meet local needs and providing an excellent service. Together I am confident that we can have a greater impact supporting local communities. In common with Cantref, we are proud of our Welsh heritage.
“We only work in Wales and want to grow our business in West Wales. With an office in Cardiff and one in North Wales, we are excited about having a regional office in Newcastle Emlyn and getting to know new communities and residents.
“We understand that the last few months have been unsettling for staff and residents of Cantref. There has been speculation about redundancies, the future of the stock and comments about rents. Merger discussions are only just beginning – it is too early to talk about these matters.
“We want our two businesses to work through the merger, ensuring our residents get the best services, with their homes maintained and improved and all staff certain of the future.”
The failure to provide reassurances about, redundancies, the future of the stock, and rents at this stage – when reassurances on those topics had been given by Carmarthenshire County Council in its bid – has led some to question the bases upon which selection of a preferred bidder were based.
Veteran blogger Jac o’ the North, a keen and controversial observer on social housing in Wales, has observed of Wales and West: “Much of its business is in the care home sector, not only in the south but also in towns like Brecon, Llandrindod, Newtown, reaching up to Flintshire and Denbighshire where many of its clients come from over the border.”
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