TENANTS of a newly- merged housing trust have been reassured the move will not add to planned rent rises.
Cosmopolitan Housing Group (CHG), which owns Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT), has become part of the Worcester-based Sanctuary Group following a rescue deal prompted by financial troubles.
A recent consultation of CHG’s social housing tenants across Cheshire and Merseyside revealed some residents were concerned about the potential impact on rent rises.
A trust spokesman answered: “Your rent will increase in line with Government policy. There will be no change. This change will not affect your entitlement to housing benefit.”
Sanctuary North West will be based in Chester with a smaller office in Liverpool. Centurion House in Northgate Street will continue for the moment.
Sanctuary is committed to supporting CDHT’s initiatives such as the development of The Parade at Blacon and community company Avenue Services, which provides public services on the Blacon estate. Subsidiary Foundation Enterprises, which delivers homeless services, will continue.
Sanctuary is also investing £60 million in new care homes over the next two years and one of these is planned in Chester.
Tenants raised concerns about employees following the merger. A spokesman commented: “Sanctuary Group has a strong track record of supporting organisations through the merger process. Whilst local visiting teams will continue to be the familiar faces you know, inevitably there will be some staff changes in support services as a result of efficiencies and economies of scale. Likewise, Sanctuary’s Group structure means there are also likely to be many new and exciting opportunities for our staff.”
