NatWest has agreed £246 million of new funding facilities with Housing Plus Group, supporting the not‑for‑profit housing association’s plans to increase the supply of high‑quality affordable homes and invest in communities across Shropshire, Stafford, Telford and Wrekin.
With more than 33,000 homes under management, Housing Plus Group provides social and affordable rented housing, low‑cost and shared ownership options, supported housing, and care and support services for people who need additional assistance – alongside a variety of other types of housing. The organisation has clear ambitions to grow its portfolio while maintaining and improving existing homes and services.
The new funding package from NatWest comprises a revolving credit facility (RCF), a term loan and a dedicated social loan. Together, these facilities are designed to provide flexible, cost‑effective funding that aligns with Housing Plus Group’s social purpose and long‑term strategy.
The £246 million funding package is part of NatWest’s broader commitment to the UK social housing sector. Between 2018 and 2025, NatWest has provided more than £25 billion in funding to housing associations nationwide and has recently set a new ambition to deliver a further £10 billion of funding to the regulated not‑for‑profit social housing sector by the end of 2028. This support is aimed at helping providers deliver and maintain affordable homes, upgrade existing properties – including energy efficiency improvements – and invest in communities.
READ MORE: Inside Future Foundations Zone Three: People, Homes & Communities
Wayne Gethings, Chief Executive of Housing Plus Group, said: “Creating places people are proud to call home is at the heart of our purpose. This funding package gives us the financial capacity and flexibility to invest in new homes, continue enhancing existing properties and maintain the care and support services that many of our customers rely on.
“NatWest’s understanding of our sector and our social mission has helped us secure a blend of facilities that supports both our immediate priorities and our long‑term ambitions, ensuring we can keep delivering for our communities across Staffordshire and Shropshire.”
Richard Nowell, Interim Chief Financial Officer at Housing Plus Group, said: “Having a mix of revolving, term and social loan facilities in place creates a robust and agile funding platform for Housing Plus Group. It allows us to respond to changing conditions while keeping a clear focus on value for money and sustainability.
“The social loan element recognises the impact our work has on residents’ lives and the wider community. Working closely with NatWest, we have structured facilities that support our growth plans and reflect our commitment to providing safe, affordable homes and high‑quality services.”
Dean Holleyman, Relationship Director, Housing Finance at NatWest, said: “Housing associations such as Housing Plus Group play a vital role in tackling the UK’s housing challenges and supporting residents who need secure, affordable homes. Our role is to enable well‑governed organisations with a clear social purpose to access the funding they need to invest in homes and communities for the long term.
“This £246 million package is a good example of how we can combine different types of facilities to provide flexible, value‑driven funding that supports local growth, improves existing homes and helps deliver new affordable housing. It also contributes to our wider ambition to provide £10 billion of funding to the UK social housing sector by the end of 2028.”
NatWest acted as lender and structuring bank on the transaction, working with Housing Plus Group’s executive and treasury teams to tailor the facilities to the association’s requirements. The social loan is aligned with recognised social lending principles, linking funding to clearly defined social outcomes.
The funding will support Housing Plus Group as it continues to deliver a mix of social and affordable rented housing, low‑cost and shared ownership homes, supported housing and care and support services for people who need additional assistance, across its footprint.
