12-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Strong reaction to Newport City Homes and Melin merger
Announced on April 3, the new organisation will oversee more than 15,000 properties across five local authority areas, including Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Newport, Powys, and Torfaen.
The two associations say their aim is to build "connected communities where everyone can live well".
However, the response from the community has been far from universally positive.
Many readers expressed scepticism and concern about the merger.
One resident said: "This merger will be a disaster for Melin.
"Melin have a good reputation... A few weeks ago I was shown some of the material that is being used for a report into the allocations process at Newport City Homes, which focuses on the reasons some applicants are being rejected."
Paul Phoenix questioned the logic behind the merger, writing: "I'm not the brightest spark in the box but how the hell does one housing association with not enough houses merging with another housing association with not enough housing create extra houses."
Some residents expressed hope for improvement.
Sabina Islam wrote: "Let's hope their communication between departments gets better."
Others highlighted concerns over housing allocation and shortages.
Joel Guest said: "Expect even more shortages now that the local authority has branded the city a 'City of Sanctuary' without even consulting the ratepayers."
Kath Whatley added: "I was told last week that Newport City homes have properties in their stock pile that don't go on to the bidding system."
Steve Gosling said the merger would be "not fit for purpose" and likely a "disaster".
Despite the negative feedback, Hedyn's management say their name, meaning "seed" in Welsh, was chosen after consultation with over 900 residents, partners, and colleagues, aiming to symbolise growth and positive change.
Whether that vision will be realised remains to be seen.
