Discussions are continuing over the proposed partnership between the West of Scotland Housing Association and North East of England housing provider Gentoo.

The management committee of West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) has agreed to continue discussions with Gentoo Group and plans to become a subsidiary by April 1, 2013.

Gentoo Group is a housing provider regulated by the Homes and Communities Agency.

WSHA chair, Katie McLeod said: "I am delighted that we are moving to the next stage with Gentoo. I firmly believe the partnership will strengthen both organisations’ ability to grow, do more for our tenants and the communities they live in."

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WSHA chief executive, Duncan McNaught added: "Working with Gentoo, we will develop our business in Scotland and create new and improved strategies to address our tenants' top priorities. All going well, we hope the partnership is in place by April next year."

The news comes as WSHA appoints the Tennant Participation Advisory Service as a tenant communication advisor.

If WSHA does proceed with the Gentoo merger, it would still remain a housing association registered with the Scottish Housing Regulator and would keep its name and ownership of its housing.

WSHA would still employ its own staff, work from its present offices and remain governed by its own management committee.

Tenants would retain their existing rights and WSHA would remain their landlord, but Gentoo Group would be WSHA’s parent body and set the overall group strategy.

(IT)