A ROW has broken out after Tai Cantref rejected a local authority’s offer to take a stake in the troubled housing association.

Cantref announced plans last month to seek a partnership following a Welsh Government review into its operation and governance.

The move came after the Cambrian News revealed the suspension - and subsequent departure - of Cantref’s long-serving chief executive Lynne Sacale.

Cantref disclosed last week that plans for a merger with their “preferred partner” - Wales and West Housing – were a step nearer, expressing hope the current talks “could lead to a successful merger by autumn”.

But Carmarthenshire County Council has been quick to express disappointment that its offer to “protect Tai Cantref Housing Association’s tenants and staff as a preferred partner” had not been taken forward.

Cllr Linda Evans, executive board member for housing, said: “We are naturally disappointed that, at this stage, the board of Tai Cantref has chosen to seek a partnership with another social housing provider."

Kevin Taylor, interim chair of Cantref, said: “Wales and West Housing is our preferred partner as it has a proven track record particularly around resident satisfaction and resident engagement.

“It is also committed to preserving Cantref’s ethos of a regional and local focus and recognises the importance of cultural aspects to our business such as the continued use and support of the Welsh language.

“Importantly, it is also a very well respected organisation that possesses lender and regulatory support.”

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