The largest independent landlord in Kent has outlined plans to become a charitable company.

At its annual partners lunch, non-profit making mhs homes revealed it will soon begin a consultation with customers, staff and stakeholders on the move.

This is expected to be completed in the autumn following a final board decision on the plans, with changes likely to be completed next year.

The housing association manages more than 8,500 properties in Medway and has more than 20,000 customers.

Chair of the board Joe Scullion said: “We have always been a not-for-profit organisation but the stage has now been reached in our development as an organisation where it makes sense to become a charitable company.

“Being a charitable company will more accurately reflect the services we provide now and want to provide in the future.

“The change to charitable status will have significant benefits to our communities and bring us in line with most large social housing providers.”