NEWSPAPER BOSS DENIES KEEPING READERS IN THE DARK

Housing merger allegations

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 New allegations of secrecy have emerged about a planned merger of two housing associations. But other similar accusations about the merger plans have been denied by a newspaper boss.

The new allegations come from management consultant Adrian Waite who is leading the way in a wave of criticism of plans to merge the small Workington-based Impact Housing Association with the giant Riverside Housing Association of Liverpool.

Adrian Waite says that Impact`s plans are “shrouded in secrecy.”

The newspaper boss is Chris Story Associate Editor of the Carlisle daily News and Star.

Chris Story says it is “not the case” that his readers have been kept in the dark about the merger as was alleged by the campaigning group Carlisle Tenants` and Residents` Federation in its previous post on this blog.

Adrian Waite makes his allegations in the blog of his Appleby(Cumbria)-based firm, AWICS. He compares the planned merger with a similar merger situation near Glasgow involving Arklet Housing Association of Giffnock, East Renfrewshire.

The comparison is far from favourable to Impact in which Adrian Waite is a shareholder.Up to fairly recently he was also  chairman of Impact.

In his job of management consultant he  recently met  with officers and tenants of the Arklet associaton .

Now, he has this to say:

“There is a similarity between Arklet Housing Association and Impact Housing Association in that both are seeking to form a ‘partnership’ with another housing 
 association.

“ However, there is a contrast between the process being followed at Arklet that is open and transparent and involves tenants fully and the process that is being followed at Impact that appears to be shrouded in secrecy and to exclude tenants.

 “For example, Impact:

• Has not established a steering group that involves tenants.
• Does not intend to appoint an Independent Tenants’ Advisor.
• Does not have a Tenant Communications Strategy for the ‘takeover’
• Does not intend to consult tenants on the business case.
• Does not intend to consult tenants on the proposed ‘takeover’.
• Does not intend to hold a ballot.

“Tenants have contacted me to express their concern, including one who wrote that:

`Mark Costello (Chair of Impact) (said) that all tenants would be consulted with about the partnership, but nobody has got in touch with tenants other than a letter stating that Riverside is the preferred partner.`

“In my view, Impact Housing Association should re-assess its approach to resident engagement.”

Newspaper boss Chris Story makes his “in the dark” denial in a letter to the Federation.

This is what he says:

“I understand that your latest blog raises concerns that I have kept our readers  "in the dark". I would like to reassure you, your members and followers that this is not the case.

“As I am sure all those connected with you will appreciate, we are simply trying to build a rounded picture of the issues and concerns raised.”

What does the Federation say about that?

A spokesman said: “We welcome Chris Story`s assurance and as he requests, we will help him to “ build a rounded picture”.

“But building this rounded picture seems to be taking a very long time…remember, it is over  a  month since this matter was first raised with Chris Story`s newspaper. That delay is concerning for the Federation.”

 Carlisle Tenants` and Residents` Federation publishes this blog. Information about the Federation is available on 01228 522277 or 01228 532803