Proposals to bring the services provided by Charter Community Housing and Banbury Homes, both subsidiaries of one of the UK’s leading housing associations Sanctuary Group, are to go ahead following positive feedback from residents.

The combined operation, working under the Charter Community Housing name, will come into effect on 1st April and will be responsible for managing 5,500 homes throughout Oxfordshire.

The move will enable Banbury and Charter to work together to improve resident involvement, tackle antisocial behaviour and create safer and more vibrant communities.

It will also reduce the duplication of activities and the risk of wasted costs brought about by running the associations separately, thus improving efficiency and services to residents over time.

The majority of staff have relocated to Charter’s new Hindle House headquarters at Adderbury, bringing resources together under one roof. The George Street office in the centre of Banbury will remain open, manned by a small number of staff for the convenience of residents.

Looking to the future, Charter will be investigating opportunities to invest in communities and breathe new life into estates in Oxfordshire.

Harj Lota, managing director of Charter, said: “This move marks a new era for our residents. Combining our resources and expertise will undoubtedly help us to address some of the concerns of residents.

“The benefits of being part of Sanctuary Group are already evident thanks to its financial strength and injection of resources and we look forward to bringing about planned improvements in partnership with our residents.”