Johnnie Johnson Housing joins Sanctuary as a subsidiary

JJH will continue as a standalone operation while future integration plans are discussed. It also has a telecare operation called Astraline.

Sanctuary said its “strong financial position as one of the UK’s leading housing and care providers” will provide JJH with the backing required to move its current plans forward and invest in its homes for the benefit of its customers.

Craig Moule, group chief executive at Sanctuary, said: “Our customers are always at the heart of all we do, and I am confident that residents of both Sanctuary and Johnnie Johnson Housing will benefit as a result of this merger.

“Our strong financial position provides the additional support JJH requires to further increase investments in its properties and ensure that residents continue to receive the service they deserve.

“Through mergers and acquisitions, we unlock financial capacity in smaller organisations to help them deliver more.

“Together we can reduce overheads and inefficiencies meaning there is more money available to spend on homes and services than if the two organisations had continued to operate separately.”

Kathryn Fox-Rogers, managing director at Johnnie Johnson Housing, said: “This business combination creates a fantastic opportunity for both organisations, so I am delighted it is now completed.

“By joining Sanctuary, we can invest more in our residents’ homes while continuing to deliver high-quality local services.”

Both Sanctuary and JJH are currently rated G1/V2 by the Regulator of Social Housing.

According to its financial results, Sanctuary saw its pre-tax surplus rise by 72.9 per cent from £58.6m in 2021-22 to £101.3m in 2022-23. This reflected a £38.5m net gain on acquisitions, predominantly relating to Swan.

Meanwhile, JJH reported a pre-tax surplus of £174,000 in 2022-23, a drop from £382,000 in 2021-22.