Clarion merges main HAs leaving Old Ford as final piece of amalgamation jigsaw

It comes just over a year after the merger completed in December 2016, which created the UK’s largest housing group with 125,000 homes across the country.

It means all the registered providers that comprised the Circle group structure have been absorbed into Clarion, except for Old Ford Housing in London’s East End.

Old Ford’s board will review the outcome of a resident consultation on the proposed merger at its next meeting.

The association, which covers the Parkside Estates in Old Ford and Bow, was created following a stock transfer from Tower Hamlets council in 1997.

Its properties include the Orchard Village scheme to regenerate the Mardyke Estate in Rainham.

Mark Washer, chief financial officer at Clarion, said work continues with the Old Ford board to consolidate the association into Clarion, following resident consultation that was “supportive of the proposals”.

He said that simplifying, updating and integrating all aspects of the organisation “will realise significant operational efficiencies and economies of scale” and be more of providing our residents with “first-class services at the best value for money”.

He added: “This means delivering better local and more consistent customer-focused services, building more homes and delivering the biggest social investment programme in the sector.”

Mr Washer said the full amalgamation is a key part of the programme to simplify the business and "moves us closer to delivery of our ambition to create a single housing association".

"By simplifying, updating and integrating all aspects of our organisation we will realise significant operational efficiencies and economies of scale. We also consider that simple structures provide better and more effective decision making.”

Circle came to Clarion with nine registered providers (RPs), all legally separate, with their own boards, properties, accounts and funding.

The group plans to deliver 50,000 homes over 10 years, alongside its investment in its existing homes and a commitment to address failings in the Circle repairs service.