Ellie Ames 15 July 2024

Call for ‘Right to Pause’ on Right to Buy

Call for ‘Right to Pause’ on Right to Buy image

Councils have called for the power to pause the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme when they are facing significant housing pressure.

The District Councils’ Network (DCN) has urged the new Government to prioritise reform of RTB in the King’s Speech on Wednesday.

It pointed to new figures that show 6,000 council homes were sold under the scheme in England last year, and said just half had been replaced.

Meanwhile, the latest data shows a 13% rise since 2020 in the number of households on social housing waiting lists, the DCN said.

Housing spokesperson Hannah Dalton said: ‘We simply cannot continue down this path if we are to ensure everyone has access to a safe, secure and affordable home.

‘District councils stand ready to work in partnership with government to deliver on this critical priority – but time is of the essence.’

As well as a ‘Right to Pause’ the sale of homes, the DCN's proposed reforms would see councils able to retain 100% of RTB receipts and set discount rates locally, and more done to prevent the sale of newly built homes.

In its manifesto, Labour pledged to prioritise the building of new homes for social rent and ‘better protect our existing stock’ by reviewing the RTB discounts introduced in 2012 and increasing protections on newly built social housing.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Virtual School Inclusion Support Officer

Essex County Council
£32768.0000 - £38550.0000 per annum
Virtual School Inclusion Support OfficerPermanent, Term Time£32,768 to £38,550 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Business Development Officer

Essex County Council
£36341.0000 - £42754.0000 per annum
Senior Business Development Officer - Integrated Passenger Transport UnitFixed Term, Full Time£36,341 to £42,754 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interview dates
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Investment Marketing and Web Officer CDC

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8, £33,708 - £37,399
The postholder should be experienced in planning social media activity, refreshing web content and analysing their impact. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner