Reforms to Right to Buy (RTB) have given councils greater confidence in protecting and growing their housing stock, according to a new Local Government Association (LGA) survey.
The 2024 changes reduced discounts, extended cost floor protection, removed the acquisitions cap, and increased flexibility in using receipts. While this triggered a short-term surge in applications, nearly half of councils (48%) now feel more positive about housebuilding, and a quarter say new schemes have been unlocked.
However, many authorities cite ongoing Housing Revenue Account constraints, with 52% unable to progress new projects.
The LGA, alongside the County Councils Network and District Councils Network, is urging Government to go further by removing time limits on RTB receipts and allowing councils to set local discount levels.
Cllr Tom Hunt, chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said: ‘The Right to Buy reforms are a step in the right direction for councils as they seek greater control over their housing stock, but we urge government to go further to ensure that the local government is fully empowered to deliver the homes we desperately need.’
