Two Mid Wales housing associations have agreed to a merger.

In a meeting on Tuesday, 19 May, the board members of Mid-Wales Housing Association and Tai Ceredigion Cyf formally agreed to proceed with the final business case for a merger.

This will be the first-ever merger of a traditional housing association and a stock transfer organisation in Wales.

The newly-merged association will have 220 members of staff and 4,000 homes spread across Mid Wales, from the Welsh borders through Powys and Ceredigion, down to north Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

The boards of Mid-Wales Housing and Tai Ceredigion have been in discussions for over two years with the vision to build a strong organisation in the heart of Wales, they said. In particular, the boards want to invest more in existing homes; build new homes and influence policy and investment at a regional level and believe that by combining resources and skills, a newly merged housing association will be more resilient and better placed to do this.

Karen Oliver, chair of Tai Ceredigion and the Shadow Board, said: “The 40-year history of Mid-Wales Housing and the vision and ambition of Tai Ceredigion – who are celebrating 10 years since stock transfer this year – will bring exciting new housing options in the region. It has been a difficult journey since the coronavirus lockdown but the commitment of the board members and staff has proved a driving force to get to this exciting decision.”

Peter Swanson, chair of Mid-Wales Housing and vice-chair of the Shadow Board, added: “This is an amazing opportunity for everyone concerned and we will be working hard to ensure a seamless transition. Our priority is to provide the highest quality bilingual services and support for existing and new tenants and leaseholder residents.”

Tenant and leaseholder consultation has been taking place within both associations, and the Joint Tenant Panel made up.

Further announcements will be made as the associations reach the final milestones ahead of the merger which is scheduled to complete in the autumn.