Associations in merger talks

If successful, First Wessex and Sentinel Housing Association would create a new organisation with 30,000 homes.

Peter Walters, chief executive of First Wessex, said: ‘The two organisations are very strong in their own right and we believe by coming together we can more than double our effectiveness and capacity to deliver much-needed homes.

‘We share a strong social purpose and core values and both have a great track record of quality and innovation.’

Mark Perry, chief executive of Sentinel, said: ‘Joining together creates economies of scale to help us address the housing crisis.

‘We are a great geographical fit and this gives us the opportunity to create Hampshire’s largest and most influential housing association.’

A merger could be completed by mid 2017.