`GAPING HOLES` IN HOUSING ASS0CIATION TAKEOVER

 

 

 

Riverside

deal hit by “virus” attacks

Another year, another takeover by big boots Riverside Housing Association. No worries about caronavirus halting  things.The  transfer of more than 1,000 homes appears to have gone ahead virus free.

Or has it? Critics might argue that there are gaping holes in the transfer arrangements. These holes might be the result of a “virus” say these critics.

Riverside which owns 5,600 homes nationwide says that the acquisition of the 1,175 homes, in Newcastle and South Shields, follows a successful bidding process and consultation period with residents.

But is that correct? Or has the”virus” been at work?

It is correct, says Clarion Housing Group of London which  sold the homes. Clarion is another big boots operator- the biggest housing association in the country. 

Clare Miller..."Riverside holds highest ratings".

Clare Miller, Clarion`s chief executive says in a press statement about the takeover: “Riverside has a strong existing presence in the north of England and an excellent track record, holding the highest ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing”

And how correct is that? Has the “virus” been active?

Part of  the press statement is correct…Riverside`s strong existing presence. But an excellent track record? And does Riverside have highest ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing?

Not correct says Carlisle Tenants` and Residents` Federation which publishes this blog.

The Federation is a longstanding critic of Riverside and fully understands why some critics of Riverside talk about a “virus”.

 For about 20 years,  the Federation has held this Liverpool organisation to account  and finds that the track record is far from excellent.. Much of the Federation`s criticism has been recorded on the blog.

As for the so-called “highest” ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing, the blog recently published the following criticism of Riverside following its takeover last year of  the Workington-based Impact Housing Association:

“It therefore appears that, while the Regulator has been informed, they do not support the proposed ‘transfer of engagements’ and that the letter that the Impact chairman has sent to tenants is inaccurate and misleading.

 “This follows information provided to tenants prior to the ‘takeover’ that I also thought was inaccurate and misleading”.

That criticism came from Mr Adrian Waite a former chairman of Impact.

 Previously Mr Waite had warned of the dangers of a new agreement for tenants  planned by  Riverside.

Mr Waite  is  head of  Appleby-based  AWICS, a management consultancy and training company. He makes the attack in his company blog.

That attack did well in spotting the"virus". 

Sadly, the "virus" has still to be killed off.

  Carlisle Tenants` and Residents` Federation publishes this blog. Information about the Federation is available on 01228 5222