The boards of Banbury Homes and Charter Community Housing are in discussions about bringing the two associations together.

The organisations, which are now both part of Sanctuary Group, would manage homes in Oxfordshire and operate under the name of Charter Community Housing.

One of the primary factors behind the move is that it will enable staff and residents of Banbury and Charter to work together to improve resident involvement, tackle antisocial behaviour and help create safer and more vibrant communities.

Merging of the associations will also reduce the duplication of activities as well as the risk of wasted costs brought about by running the two separately.

Sanctuary aim to have the two organisations operating under the same banner by the end of March 2008, so plans to improve services offered to residents and create opportunities for those involved in the combined association can be progressed.

Initially residents will notice little, if any change as a result of the proposed move and their standard day-to-day service will continue as before. Tenants will not experience a change in landlord, rent or their tenancy rights.

As part of the merger, staff currently based in offices belonging to Banbury, in particular George Street, will relocate to Charter’s new main headquarters at Hindle House which is just four miles from the George Street base, enabling the association to bring together all of its resources under one roof. However, there are proposals to retain presence at George Street for the benefit of customers.

The move will also see Harj Lota, current director of Banbury Homes, take up the new position of managing director for Charter Community Housing.

He said: “By combining the two associations, our resources and expertise, we believe it will enable us to provide a more efficient and cost effective service to residents.