TWO prominent Plaid Cymru politicians have called for a National Assembly Committee Inquiry into the merger between troubled Newcastle Emlyn-based housing association Cantref and Wales and West.

Citing concerns over the role of the Welsh Government in the merger and the “lack of consultation” with tenants, AM Adam Price and MP Jonathan Edwards say an inquiry would trigger an investigation into the Welsh Government’s regulatory oversight of Cantref.

The move follows shareholders’ approval of the decision to merge with Wales and West, which Cantref said represented the start of “a new, exciting and positive future” for housing services in the region.

However, Mr Price and Mr Edwards have expressed concerns over the Welsh Government’s statutory inquiry into Cantref, conducted by the London-based firm Campbell Tickell, the findings of which have never been made public.  

They say Cantref faced insolvency if shareholders rejected the merger, following concerns raised by financial lenders, and have made renewed calls for promises to secure local employment, the continued provision of the Welsh language and the use of local contracts by Wales and West Housing Association to be honoured.

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