A new housing association has been unveiled in Scotland, paving the way for a robust response to the challenges facing the affordable housing sector while retaining the highest levels of service and support for residents.

Now one of the largest associations in the region, the newly formed Caledonia Housing Association was formed when Dundee-based Servite Housing Association teamed up with Perthshire Housing Association.

With offices based in both Dundee and Perth, Caledonia Housing Association will employ almost 200 staff and own and manage around 4000 properties.

It plans to build up to 100 additional housing units within Perthshire and Angus within the next year.

A major commitment has been made to investment in its existing properties with an average of £3-4 million per annum being spent on improvements and maintenance.

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A new customer information centre has also been formed to offer a modern approach to dealing with customer enquiries.

The association will also maintain a strong focus on continuing to build additional new properties across the region.

Chief Executive of Caledonia Housing Association, Julie Cosgrove, commented: "Delivering optimum customer care to our residents is at the very heart of this merger, particularly in increasingly challenging environments. The merger will allow us to deliver high-quality services during tough times for both housing associations and their residents. Ultimately, this is our way of responding to the challenges which exist in the wider environment, using our resources more effectively, driving efficiencies and improving services. By joining forces, we create a stronger, more rounded organisation, focusing on all client groups from families to older people and those requiring additional support."

Chair of Caledonia Housing Association, Ian McMillan, added: "The creation of Caledonia is the culmination of over 18 months of discussion and consultation with a range of agencies and, most importantly, our tenants. It provides the ideal opportunity to build on the strengths of both organisations for the benefit of our tenants. Further benefits will be realised through our financial strength which will allow us to continue to build new affordable homes in the region. I would also like to acknowledge both the commitment and positivity of our residents and staff which has been evident throughout this process."

(JG/BMcC)