Two landlords in the north west of England have entered merger talks.

Helena Partnerships, based in St Helens, and Warrington-based Golden Gates Housing Trust are in early discussions about forming a new 22,000 home group.

The organisation would come under a single group board, but would maintain their own identities s subsidiaries in the new structure. They believe the move could improve their financial strength through savings.

Rob Young, said the move could save the organisations around £25 million over 10 years, but stressed this was a cautious estimate and detailed business plan has yet to be drawn up.

In a statement Rob Young, chief executive of Helena Partnership, said: ‘We are under a huge amount of pressure as a business to provide vital support services and build new homes against a backdrop of welfare reform and funding cuts.

Forming a group structure would provide an exciting opportunity to build on the respective strengths of each organisation to better face the challenges ahead.