Tenants of North Ayrshire social housing provider ANCHO have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new partnership with Cairn Housing Association which will deliver accelerated investment in homes and a five-year rent guarantee with services still being delivered in the local area.

The ballot closed on Friday 15 June and once counted by the independent Electoral Reform Service, 94.2% of votes were in favour of the partnership on a high turnout of 60.8%.

ANCHO’s new partnership with Cairn guarantees an additional £4.5 million in ANCHO’s homes and communities in North Ayrshire with the exciting possibility of new homes being built in the area in future.

Jackie Browne, chair of ANCHO’s board, said: “We are delighted that not only have our tenants shared our vision for ANCHO but that they’ve done so in great numbers with a record breaking over 60% having their say during the ballot. We have spent over a year consulting with our tenants and we’ve always been encouraged by the strong support they had for the partnership. This is great news for our tenants and we can’t wait to start delivering on the partnership promises with our colleagues at Cairn.”

Simon Guest, chair of Cairn’s board, said: “We are excited that the ANCHO tenants have backed the partnership between our two organisations. Both organisations share similar values and a dedication to providing great services and we look forward to working with our new colleagues at ANCHO and North Ayrshire Council.”

Ilene Campbell, chief executive of the Tenants Information Service, who provided independent advice and support to ANCHO tenants, added: “ANCHO and Cairn went to great lengths to involve tenants at every step of the way and encouraged their participation in developing the partnership promises. We would like to congratulate the tenants on getting involved and coming out in great numbers to vote on the future of ANCHO.”

The results of the ballot will now be considered by the ANCHO board and then the Scottish Housing Regulator. Shareholders of ANCHO will then be invited to approve the necessary changes to ANCHO’s company rules at a Special General Meeting to formalise the wishes of residents and give effect to their views on the partnership.