Two housing associations in Northern Ireland are to merge, it has been announced.

The merger, between Helm and Fold Housing Associations, is subject to final approval in September 2016.

The new organisation is expected to be in place by early 2017.

Liz Cuddy from Helm Housing Association said: "The creation of a new single housing association means we can share expertise and deliver improved and more efficient customer services to our existing tenants. It also means we can increase our investment in local communities and contribute to the Housing Plus agenda. In times of record levels of housing need a new and financially stronger provider will be better placed to build more homes, right across Northern Ireland. We look forward to working with colleagues at Fold in the coming weeks and months to bring this about."

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Fold Chair Diana Fitzsimons said: "Fold and Helm Housing Associations have between them 80 years of expertise in providing excellent housing, care and support. We are both values driven providers, seeking value for money for all our service users and funders. Both boards have considered the impact of key challenges such as Welfare Reform, both on our tenants and our businesses. We feel strongly that this collaboration leaves us much better placed to support our tenants, invest in new systems and technology and grow and expand our service offering."

(CD/LM)