What's being proposed
In September 2025, we announced that we had entered talks with Thrive Homes over a potential merger which would create a new customer-focused Community Gateway housing association.
We believe this could significantly strengthen the quality of the services we are able to provide and help us to deliver more affordable housing across the areas we serve.
Why we're exploring this merger
Across both organisations, we share the same purpose: providing safe, affordable, and well-maintained homes while making a positive impact in our communities.
By working together, we can:
- Invest more in existing homes and neighbourhoods – with greater capacity for planned works and energy efficiency upgrades.
- Build more affordable homes – pooling resources to tackle the housing shortage locally.
- Enhance customer service – offering faster, more consistent responses through combined expertise.
- Create new opportunities for residents – giving tenants and leaseholders more influence over decisions.
- Strengthen long-term stability – combining financial strength to protect services for the future.
By joining together, this merger will create a larger community gateway housing association, giving more power to customers and ensuring they are at the heart of decision-making.
This proposal is about partnership and long-term improvement, not short-term change.
For more information on the proposal and what it would mean for residents, please read the FAQs further down this page.
Consulting residents – how you can have your say
We have now launched a resident consultation, which will run until 1 February 2026. This is your chance to find out more about the proposal and let us know what you think about it.
To make sure this consultation is fair, transparent, and inclusive, we are partnering with Tpas – The Tenant Engagement Experts.
What you tell us will play a vital role in shaping what happens next. Tpas will publish a report summarising the feedback and the key themes from the consultation, and the Boards of both organisations will consider the findings before making a final decision. If the merger does go ahead, your feedback will influence the key priorities for the new organisation.
Click here to find out more about the consultation and how you can get involved.
How to find out more or get in touch
If you would like to know more, you can:
- Read our customer FAQs below
- Stay informed – keep an eye on our website, sign up for our regular email newsletter, and read our Voice newsletter for updates
- Contact us directly – call 0800 218 2247 or email merger@wcht.org.uk
You can also contact Tpas, your independent adviser:
Call Tpas on 0800 731 1619 for a free confidential chat. All calls go through to voicemail so you can leave a message and they will call you back within one working day.
Email Tpas at merger-consultation@tpas.org.uk
The inbox is monitored and they will respond within two working days.
Frequently asked questions
What would the proposed merger mean for customers?
If it goes ahead, Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes would come together to form a new organisation with a new name, which would be your landlord.
You would retain all your existing tenancy rights, terms and conditions. If you are a shared owner or leaseholder, the terms of your lease would stay the same.
You would retain all your existing tenancy rights, terms and conditions. If you are a shared owner or leaseholder, the terms of your lease would stay the same.
Will a merger affect the details of my tenancy or lease?
No. If a merger is to happen, you would keep your existing tenancy or lease agreement. There would be no changes to any of the terms of your agreement without your written consent.
Would my rent or service charges be affected?
If the merger goes ahead, your rent and any service charges you pay will be calculated in the same way that they are now.
The new organisation would continue to review rents annually, in line with guidance from the government, so your rent level will not be affected by whether the merger goes ahead or not.
Rent increases for housing associations are based on the September Consumer Price Index (CPI). The government has already confirmed that social housing rents will increase by CPI plus 1% each year over the next ten years (starting from April 2026).
The government is also planning a process of ‘social rent convergence’, which would allow rents to be increased by an additional amount in order to make social housing rent levels more consistent and fair, while remaining well below market rates. Again, this would apply to social housing tenants across the country, and it will apply to customers of Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes regardless of whether the merger goes ahead.
Service charges would continue to be reviewed every year too. Your service charge covers the direct cost of services you receive and this would not change. You would get a breakdown of your service charge along with your rent letter just as you do now.
The new organisation would continue to review rents annually, in line with guidance from the government, so your rent level will not be affected by whether the merger goes ahead or not.
Rent increases for housing associations are based on the September Consumer Price Index (CPI). The government has already confirmed that social housing rents will increase by CPI plus 1% each year over the next ten years (starting from April 2026).
The government is also planning a process of ‘social rent convergence’, which would allow rents to be increased by an additional amount in order to make social housing rent levels more consistent and fair, while remaining well below market rates. Again, this would apply to social housing tenants across the country, and it will apply to customers of Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes regardless of whether the merger goes ahead.
Service charges would continue to be reviewed every year too. Your service charge covers the direct cost of services you receive and this would not change. You would get a breakdown of your service charge along with your rent letter just as you do now.
Will I need to change how I make my rent payments?
Nothing is changing immediately, so you should continue to pay your rent to Watford Community Housing as normal.
If the merger goes ahead, you would be able to pay in the same way you do now. We would tell you nearer the time about any changes you need to make to the payee’s details.
If the merger goes ahead, you would be able to pay in the same way you do now. We would tell you nearer the time about any changes you need to make to the payee’s details.
Will there be any changes to the services I receive?
There won’t be any immediate changes to your services. You should continue to contact us as usual to request repairs or support, or to raise issues or concerns.
If the merger goes ahead, you will still have access to the full range of services you have now and it will allow us to invest more in your services, including making improvements to homes and investing in our communities.
If the merger goes ahead, you will still have access to the full range of services you have now and it will allow us to invest more in your services, including making improvements to homes and investing in our communities.
Will repairs be affected by the merger?
Repairs will continue to be delivered as normal while the merger is explored. Residents should continue to report repairs in the usual way, and existing repair services will remain in place.
Will repair timescales change?
No changes to repair timescales are planned as a result of the merger. Both organisations recognise concerns about repairs and are committed to maintaining current standards during any transition.
Why is this being proposed?
We believe that a single, larger organisation would be able to achieve operating efficiencies and greater financial resilience. This would mean that we can deliver more, improve our services and ensure the long-term stability of our business – providing a more secure future for our customers.
The new organisation would have more than 12,000 homes in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. With shared geography and a commitment to providing quality services for residents, this partnership would build on each organisation’s existing strengths while retaining local knowledge and understanding.
Our focus is on doing what is right for customers of Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes, and people in the local area. The proposed merger will only go ahead if we are confident that it will be in the best interest of customers.
The new organisation would have more than 12,000 homes in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. With shared geography and a commitment to providing quality services for residents, this partnership would build on each organisation’s existing strengths while retaining local knowledge and understanding.
Our focus is on doing what is right for customers of Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes, and people in the local area. The proposed merger will only go ahead if we are confident that it will be in the best interest of customers.
Why did we choose Thrive Homes?
We believe that Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes are a natural fit for a partnership as we have a lot in common, including where our homes are.
Both organisations are similar in size and age, and we have a similar history as we were created through large-scale voluntary transfers from local authorities just under 20 years ago.
We also operate in neighbouring areas with significant overlap. While our homes are in Hertfordshire and North London, Thrive has homes across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
We also share similar values, and these would remain central to the new organisation. We believe in the importance of being rooted in our local communities, delivering excellent services and working closely with residents.
Because we have so much in common, this would be a merger between two equal partners, to create a new organisation that can do more.
Both organisations are similar in size and age, and we have a similar history as we were created through large-scale voluntary transfers from local authorities just under 20 years ago.
We also operate in neighbouring areas with significant overlap. While our homes are in Hertfordshire and North London, Thrive has homes across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
We also share similar values, and these would remain central to the new organisation. We believe in the importance of being rooted in our local communities, delivering excellent services and working closely with residents.
Because we have so much in common, this would be a merger between two equal partners, to create a new organisation that can do more.
What are the benefits of the proposed merger?
We believe that joining forces could allow us to:
- enhance the customer experience through improved services and added resource
- increase investment in existing homes, sustainable housing solutions and energy efficiency initiatives
- spend more on community development projects and improvements to neighbourhoods
- continue to build new homes, making housing more available and affordable to those on lower incomes
Are there any disadvantages or risks? And how will they be managed?
We believe that we will be able to deliver more for our customers and communities by joining together as a single, larger organisation.
As part of our discussions about whether to go ahead, we will be carrying out a process known as due diligence to make sure that the merger would be beneficial to customers, and any associated risks are considered and managed carefully.
In the short term, the process of bringing the two organisations together could delay some of the work we do to make improvements for residents. However, we will ensure that we continue to deliver good-quality services during this period, so it is business as usual. This will include any planned works, which will carry on as expected.
In the longer term, we are confident that the partnership would help us to do more to enhance services and deliver lasting improvements.
As part of our discussions about whether to go ahead, we will be carrying out a process known as due diligence to make sure that the merger would be beneficial to customers, and any associated risks are considered and managed carefully.
In the short term, the process of bringing the two organisations together could delay some of the work we do to make improvements for residents. However, we will ensure that we continue to deliver good-quality services during this period, so it is business as usual. This will include any planned works, which will carry on as expected.
In the longer term, we are confident that the partnership would help us to do more to enhance services and deliver lasting improvements.
Are we consulting residents?
We are holding a formal consultation with residents to explain the potential benefits of a merger and give you an opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns.
Through this consultation, you have the chance to share your views and influence the final decision about whether the merger goes ahead. The Boards of both organisations will take into account the feedback from the consultation when deciding whether to approve the merger.
Click here for more information about the consultation and to get involved.
Through this consultation, you have the chance to share your views and influence the final decision about whether the merger goes ahead. The Boards of both organisations will take into account the feedback from the consultation when deciding whether to approve the merger.
Click here for more information about the consultation and to get involved.
Will our Community Gateway status be affected?
No, the new organisation will follow the Community Gateway housing model and all of your gateway rights will remain under any new structure.
What does it mean to be a Community Gateway housing association?
To ensure that customers are at the heart of the new organisation’s decision-making, it would be a Community Gateway housing association.
Watford Community Housing is already a Community Gateway organisation, which means that residents can get involved with how the organisation is run, and help make decisions about what we do and the services we provide.
Under the gateway model, more power is devolved to residents. This is written into the terms of the organisation’s constitution, giving residents a strong voice and empowering them to influence decisions about their homes and services.
Watford Community Housing is already a Community Gateway organisation, which means that residents can get involved with how the organisation is run, and help make decisions about what we do and the services we provide.
Under the gateway model, more power is devolved to residents. This is written into the terms of the organisation’s constitution, giving residents a strong voice and empowering them to influence decisions about their homes and services.
Would the way I contact you change?
No, you will still be able to contact us in the same ways you do now.
If the merger goes ahead, email addresses and telephone numbers may be changed, but we would let you know in advance about any changes that are planned.
If the merger goes ahead, email addresses and telephone numbers may be changed, but we would let you know in advance about any changes that are planned.
Would I still have the right to buy/right to acquire?
If you already have the right to buy or acquire, you would not lose that right. You would continue to be able to exercise the right in the same way as you can now.
Would the merger affect my place on the housing list?
No. The local housing registers are managed by the relevant local authority, so this will not impact your position on the housing waiting list.
Would I be able to do a mutual exchange with Thrive Homes customers?
Yes. Mutual exchanges can happen with any social landlord or local authority across the country, so the proposed merger would not affect your options.
Will we keep our focus on the local area?
Yes, local knowledge is very important to both Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes. We already operate over neighbouring areas with significant crossover, so our shared geography ensures that a new organisation would retain our local focus and our understanding of the areas we serve.
As a larger single housing association covering these areas, we would be well placed to build on our strong track record of partnership working with other local organisations to meet the needs of our communities.
The new organisation would also retain our existing commitment to investing in projects and initiatives in our local areas.
As a larger single housing association covering these areas, we would be well placed to build on our strong track record of partnership working with other local organisations to meet the needs of our communities.
The new organisation would also retain our existing commitment to investing in projects and initiatives in our local areas.
What would the new organisation be called?
Nothing has been decided yet. If the merger goes ahead, we will give residents the opportunity to share views and get involved with decisions such as the name and branding of the new organisation.
We are committed to keeping you informed, so we will provide updates on key decisions as soon as we are able to.
We are committed to keeping you informed, so we will provide updates on key decisions as soon as we are able to.
What has happened so far?
So far, the Boards of both organisations have approved an outline business case for the proposal so that formal discussions can take place to explore a potential merger further.
We have launched our resident consultation, giving you the chance to share your views on the proposal.
We have also announced several designate appointments for the proposed new organisation, confirming who would become the Board Chair, the Chief Executive and the Executive Team if the merger goes ahead.
We have launched our resident consultation, giving you the chance to share your views on the proposal.
We have also announced several designate appointments for the proposed new organisation, confirming who would become the Board Chair, the Chief Executive and the Executive Team if the merger goes ahead.
What will happen next?
We have now begun formal discussions over the potential merger, including a period of due diligence and consultation with customers, employees and stakeholders.
Following this period, the Boards of both organisations will make the final decision on whether to go ahead with the merger. We would expect this decision to be made by April 2026.
We are committed to transparency and engagement throughout the process, so we will provide more information and updates as our discussions progress.
Following this period, the Boards of both organisations will make the final decision on whether to go ahead with the merger. We would expect this decision to be made by April 2026.
We are committed to transparency and engagement throughout the process, so we will provide more information and updates as our discussions progress.
If the merger goes ahead, when would it take effect?
We currently anticipate that a formal partnership could be in place by June 2026. This would be when we legally become one organisation.
There would then be a period of time to integrate our services to function as a single organisation. We would expect this to take around 12-18 months.
There would then be a period of time to integrate our services to function as a single organisation. We would expect this to take around 12-18 months.
How will this affect Watford Community Housing employees?
There won’t be any changes in the short term, so the people you usually speak to will stay the same.
The main aim of the proposed merger is to create an organisation that can do more for customers, so we would be looking to ensure that the new organisation has the right people to deliver for our communities.
As part of the merger talks, we will initially be working to agree the potential new organisation’s Board, Executive Team and Leadership Team, to ensure we have the best possible people to deliver for customers of Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes.
We will provide updates when we make any appointments. So far, we have confirmed who would become the Board Chair, the Chief Executive and the Executive Team if the merger goes ahead.
The main aim of the proposed merger is to create an organisation that can do more for customers, so we would be looking to ensure that the new organisation has the right people to deliver for our communities.
As part of the merger talks, we will initially be working to agree the potential new organisation’s Board, Executive Team and Leadership Team, to ensure we have the best possible people to deliver for customers of Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes.
We will provide updates when we make any appointments. So far, we have confirmed who would become the Board Chair, the Chief Executive and the Executive Team if the merger goes ahead.
Who should I speak to if I have questions about the merger?
If you have questions or would like to speak to someone about the proposed merger, you can speak to us directly or to Tpas – your independent adviser. Tpas have been appointed to make sure this consultation is fair, transparent, and inclusive.
If you have a query that relates to your home or your tenancy, please contact us directly. If you want to give feedback about the proposed merger, we recommend contacting Tpas to ensure that your feedback is captured in their consultation report.
If you would like to speak directly to us, please get in touch:
To contact Tpas:
If you have a query that relates to your home or your tenancy, please contact us directly. If you want to give feedback about the proposed merger, we recommend contacting Tpas to ensure that your feedback is captured in their consultation report.
If you would like to speak directly to us, please get in touch:
- Call 0800 218 2247
- Email merger@wcht.org.uk
To contact Tpas:
Call Tpas on 0800 731 1619 for a free confidential chat. All calls go through to voicemail so you can leave a message and they will call you back within one working day.
Email Tpas at merger-consultation@tpas.org.uk
The inbox is monitored and they will respond within two working days.
Will shared ownership become harder or more restrictive after the merger?
No. The proposed merger does not include any changes to shared ownership eligibility or affordability checks, and there are no plans to make access more restrictive. Both organisations will continue to follow national shared ownership guidelines, which require assessments to be fair, transparent and based on whether a home is genuinely affordable for the household.
How will residents be kept informed about the proposed merger?
Both organisations have committed to using clear, proactive communication across multiple channels.
Information about the merger consultation has been sent out to every household in Watford Community Housing's resident magazine (Voice) and via a flyer through Thrive Homes residents' doors.
Both organisations have also communicated with residents via email and text message, as well as sharing information on our websites and through social media channels, to help ensure residents are aware that the consultation is currently live.
Information about the merger consultation has been sent out to every household in Watford Community Housing's resident magazine (Voice) and via a flyer through Thrive Homes residents' doors.
Both organisations have also communicated with residents via email and text message, as well as sharing information on our websites and through social media channels, to help ensure residents are aware that the consultation is currently live.
How will you make sure all residents receive the same information?
The approach to communication aims to ensure equal access to information for all residents, regardless of how they usually engage.
Both organisations are working closely together and have used multiple channels of communication, including SMS (text message), email and newsletters.
We are making printed information available for residents at our in-person drop-in sessions. We are also happy to provide additional support or translated versions of the information on request.
Both organisations are working closely together and have used multiple channels of communication, including SMS (text message), email and newsletters.
We are making printed information available for residents at our in-person drop-in sessions. We are also happy to provide additional support or translated versions of the information on request.
Will information be provided in accessible formats?
Yes, information can be provided in:
If you need information in a different format, you can request this by emailing merger-consultation@tpas.org.uk
- Plain English
- Large print
- Alternative colours (e.g. yellow paper)
- Translated versions for residents whose first language is not English
If you need information in a different format, you can request this by emailing merger-consultation@tpas.org.uk
Will the organisation remain a charity after the merger?
Yes, the new organisation would be a charitable, not-for-profit Community Gateway housing association.
Will the organisation’s structure or name change?
If the merger goes ahead, the new organisation will consider the best structure to meet the needs of residents. Any information collected through this consultation about future priorities of residents will feed into the new organisation and how it operates.
A new name will also be chosen – residents will be given the opportunity to share views and get involved with decisions such as the name and branding of the new organisation.
A new name will also be chosen – residents will be given the opportunity to share views and get involved with decisions such as the name and branding of the new organisation.
Will the same contractors be used?
There are no immediate plans to change existing contractors. If any changes were proposed in the future, residents would be informed in advance and standards would be expected to remain the same or improve.
Will sustainability features like solar panels continue?
Existing sustainability features, including solar panels, will remain in place. We have had feedback through this process that sustainability is a priority for some residents. Merging organisations will provide an opportunitiy for us to learn what has worked and take on best practice from each organisation.
Will services get worse because the organisation is bigger?
Both organisations are clear that services should not deteriorate as a result of the merger. Maintaining service quality and clear accountability during any transition is a priority. The ultimate goal is for the merger to result in service improvements.
What will happen to Watford Community Housing's subsidiary companies under the new merger?
There are no plans to make any changes to Watford Community housing's subsidiary companies as a result of the proposed merger.
Will you share how much the merger has cost both organisations?
The organisations are committed to transparency and will share information about merger costs through normal reporting processes.
Will residents be provided with independent legal representation through the merger?
Residents will not be provided with individual legal representation. However, residents can seek independent advice if they wish, and the organisations are committed to providing clear information so residents understand what the merger does and does not change.
FAQs for leaseholders and shared owners
How would the merger affect leaseholders and shared ownership customers?
If you are a shared owner or leaseholder, the terms of your lease would stay the same. Any service charges or other costs that you pay would continue to be governed by the terms of your lease, and calculated in the same way they are now.
Will my lease change because of the merger?
No. Your lease is a legal contract and will not change as a result of the merger. All existing rights and obligations in your lease will remain exactly the same.
Will service charges increase because of the merger?
The merger itself will not impact your service charge. Affordability as a key priority if the merger goes ahead. We are committed to ensuring that service charges remain fair and deliver value for money.
Will leaseholders still have a voice after the merger?
Ensuring that all residents have a voice is a top priority for both Thrive Homes and Watford Community Housing. We will ensure that any new organisation has equal opportunities for all residents to be involved in engagement activities.
The latest updates: Chair Designate and Executive Designate team announced
As part of the ongoing talks, we have now announced several designate appointments for the proposed new organisation.
On Friday 14 November 2025, we announced the appointment of Hattie Llewelyn-Davies as Chair Designate of our Group Board for Watford Community Housing. Llewelyn-Davies also becomes Chair Designate for the proposed new organisation if the merger with Thrive Homes goes ahead: you can read more about the appointment here.
On Tuesday 25 November 2025, we announced the appointment of Paul Richmond as Chief Executive Designate: read more here.
On Tuesday 2 December 2025, we announced appointments for the Executive Designate:
- Greg Whelan – Chief Financial Officer
- James Ross – Group Director of Assets & Compliance
- Nick Wright – Group Director of Development