Two of England’s most troubled housing associations were the subject of a takeover and a legal fightback against takeover this week.
Clays Lane Housing Co-operative has thwarted a planned takeover with a legal challenge to the Housing Corporation. Its management committee successfully applied to the High Court to bring a judicial review of the regulator’s decision to transfer its assets to the Peabody Trust.

But the co-operative’s bank accounts remain under the quango’s control. The corporation confirmed it had received the necessary case papers, adding: “We are taking advice and considering how to respond.”

And Ridgehill Housing Association, which is under its third bout of Housing Corporation supervision, is to be taken over by Network Housing Group.

Ridgehill chose Network from a shortlist of five associations with local connections. It has been under corporation supervision since last December, when it placed two appointees on its board due to governance concerns.

Network chief Nick Wood said: “We look forward to Ridgehill joining the group. The strategic and geographical fit is excellent.”

Ridgehill interim chief executive Julian Ashby said: “We will work closely with Network while we negotiate the details of the arrangements and both undertake due diligence.”