Click here to contact us about the proposed merger and consultations

Bespoke Supportive Tenancies (BeST) is currently engaged in merger discussions with Westmoreland Supported Housing.

This page tells you what is being proposed and the potential benefits or disadvantages. As part of the decision to merge, we would like to understand our tenants’ views on it, so this page also tells you how you can give us your thoughts or ask us a question.

WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?

Both organisations are currently exploring how we can create an effective, combined housing association and what that might look like. BeST and Westmoreland Supported Housing currently share a common purpose - we are both regulated providers of social housing offering homes for vulnerable adults requiring care. We both operate in England and Wales, and we share the same values. We believe that the combined organisation would offer significant potential benefits for both organisations our customers and employees.

BENEFITS OF MERGING

A merger would enable both organisations to improve its services. By working together, we could create greater efficiencies, better utilise our resources and more effectively respond to the needs of our customers. Here is a summary of what the merger would mean for you:

• Extra Resource - We would have more Housing Officers, Surveyors and customer-focussed staff to service your needs, improving our customer experience.
• Improved Customer Focus - We would aim to enhance our housing management services with more staff as a result of a merger. With smaller areas to cover, our housing team could spend more time working with you in your home.
• Choice and Opportunity – BeST have over 1,450 homes across the UK and Westmoreland Supported Housing has 900 homes within a similar geographical coverage. A merger could offer further choice and opportunity of alternative accommodation.
• Improved Repairs Services - We believe a merger would help us provide a more responsive repairs service, offering better value for money for both organisations.
• Financial Resources - A merger would improve our financial standing, giving us the ability to deliver better value for money and respond more effectively to your needs.
carers and appointees more opportunities to share your views on how our services are provided.

Increased Regulation - A merged organisation would be larger than either BeST or Westmoreland Supported Housing are presently. This means we would be very closely monitored by the Regulator of Social Housing, giving you even more confidence in the standards we would provide.

POTENTIAL DISADVANTAGES OF MERGING

If a merger proceeds, a dedicated team will work on integrating our organisations. We know that there may be some temporary impact to some services leading up to the merger, but we would aim to minimise any disruption. We understand that you may have concerns about us becoming a larger landlord. Please be assured that our commitment to providing high quality homes and services would remain unchanged. We are focused on maintaining our current teams and enhancing our effectiveness to meet our customers' needs.

KEY INFORMATION

Reaching a Decision of Merger

There will not be a customer vote on the merger as the final decision rests with the Boards of BeST and Westmoreland Supported Housing and is subject to approval of the Regulator of Social Housing. However, your opinions matter and we will ensure your thoughts are taken into account by both Boards before a final decision is made.

When the Merger would Happen

If approved, the new housing association resulting from the merger would likely come into effect by the end of September 2025.

Costs of Merger

While both businesses would initially incur business related costs as a result of merger, we wish to assure you that there will not be a direct impact to your rent. We anticipate any related costs would be outweighed by the merger's benefits and borne by both organisations.

Minimising the Impact

You are at the heart of our decision-making. As merger discussions progress, there would be no changes to the services you receive. Both associations prioritise delivering quality services and homes while striving for continuous improvement. Although we acknowledge there may be some minor disruptions, we would maintain service delivery throughout the merger process.

Regulation

The new housing association would be regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing. You would retain the right to raise complaints with the Housing Ombudsman and would be protected by the standards set by the Regulator of Social Housing. Your rights as our tenant would be protected.

About Westmoreland Supported Housing

Westmoreland Supported Housing provides specialist social housing and advice for those vulnerable people in our society in need of long-term care and support. It provides homes and support to around 900 people across England and Wales. Westmoreland Supported Housing has experienced similar regulatory issues to BeST. It believes a merger would help improve its offer to its customers and achieve regulatory compliance and increase our financial strength and viability.

Why we are considering a Merger with Westmoreland Supported Housing

In recent years, despite several key improvements, BeST’s performance has not achieved the levels it had aimed for. Partnering with Westmoreland Supported Housing will improve our offer to customers and help to close the gap to regulatory compliance and increase our financial strength and viability.

HOW THE MERGER WOULD AFFECT YOU

Your landlord

Following the merger, your landlord would become part of the new merged housing association.

Your rent and service charge

Your rent and service charge would not change as a direct result of the merger. These would continue to be reviewed annually in the same manner as they are now. Your current rights would remain protected.

Your care

Your care provider would not be affected by the merger. Your care provider would continue to deliver the same level of care you currently receive.

Your tenancy agreement

The merger would not affect your relationship with us as a customer (tenant). You would continue to live in your current home. Your rights and the terms of your current agreement would remain unchanged. Existing customers (tenants) would not be required to sign a new agreement. All terms and conditions would transfer seamlessly, meaning there is no need for a new document to be signed. Your rights and obligations would remain unchanged.

Repairs and maintenance to your home

Delivering quality services remains a priority and we expect to improve our responsiveness to repairs.

Getting in contact

You would continue to reach us as you do now, whether by phone, email or through our website. We would notify you of any changes to contact details, such as telephone numbers or email addresses once the merger takes place.

Roles of employees

Where possible, you would still have the same familiar faces and there would be no changes in the management of your home. Most staff would transition to the new organisation, continuing to provide services to you. While staffing arrangements may evolve over time, we would always keep you informed of any new contacts.

Housing Benefit and Universal Credit

Claims for Housing Benefit and Universal Credit would remain unchanged. We would continue to provide support with benefit submissions for our customers.

You can also join a Teams information sessions:

Tuesday 26th November 1-2pm (online) Microsoft Teams. Click here for an invite
Tuesday 7th January 12-1pm (online) Microsoft Teams - Joint session with Westmoreland Click here for an invite

An Easy Read version of information about the proposed merger is available or you can request it by emailing the email address MergerConsultations@bestha.co.uk, by calling us on 0161 786 6000 option 6 or you can request one from your Housing Officer.

HAVE YOUR SAY

We want to hear your feedback on the proposed merger. The consultation period will run until Friday January 10th, 2025. We have extended the consultation period to take into account the Christmas holiday period.

Please submit any questions or comments before the closing date to ensure they are included in the consultation.

To respond, you can:

• Complete this feedback form
• Complete and return the form we posted to tenants using the provided freepost envelope.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CONSULTATION ENDS

The Boards of BeST and Westmoreland Supported Housing will review all comments and feedback on the proposal to decide whether to proceed with the merger plans. We will inform you of the outcome and decisions once both Boards have decided on the approach.

Contact us about the proposed merger and consultations