WDH was established in 2005 and since then has gone from strength to strength.
We are now one of the UK’s largest social housing providers, with over 32,000 homes across the Wakefield district and our wider operating area across the north of England.
Our vision is to create confident communities. This is underpinned by our mission which is to inspire, transform and promote excellence and our values - to be creative, inclusive and work with integrity.
We offer much more than bricks and mortar and our support goes far beyond the front door. We go the extra mile to deliver excellent customer services and to give you a home to be proud of.
If you want to get more involved in WDH and help to shape our services, we’d love to hear from you. Take a look at the ways you can work with us.
From 5 April 2017 WDH became a charitable Community Benefit Society (CBS) to better reflect what we do.
Find out more about us…
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Annual Report 2023
Annual report 2023
pdf | 1161kb
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Vision To 2035
pdf | 1774kb
About us FAQs
What is a Community Benefit Society (CBS)?
A CBS is a type of not for profit organisation that is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority with the specific intention that it must benefit the community. CBSs used to be known as ‘Industrial and Provident Societies’ and are well established in many sectors. Most housing associations are CBSs, because of the nature of the work they carry out.
Is WDH still regulated as a CBS?
Yes, as a CBS WDH continues to be registered with and regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). We remain a charitable organisation and are still required to comply with charity law. However, we are now an ‘Exempt Charity’ which means that we have the benefit of the same business flexibilities which are available to the majority of housing associations.
Does being a CBS change who can live in a WDH property?
No, as a charitable organisation our lettings policy already ensures that our houses are provided to people who are in genuine housing need. On becoming a CBS we did not make any changes to the services we deliver or the support we provide and the promises we have made will be kept. In fact, converting to a CBS has helped to better protect what we do and helps us to continue to invest in homes and communities.
What effect does becoming a CBS have on tenants’ rights?
None.
Becoming a CBS did not affect any rights of tenants under their tenancy agreement or lease, and any statutory rights that they may have, such as the preserved Right to Buy or Right to Acquire.
Qualifying leaseholders also retained their statutory right to claim an extension to their lease or to collectively purchase the freehold to their building.
Changing to a CBS does not affect the rent, or any service charges that tenants pay, or how these are calculated.