The majority of housing associations have voted in favour of making a voluntary deal with Government on extending its Right to Buy policy.

Last month, the National Housing Federation (NHF), unveiled its proposal to give 2.3 million housing association tenants the opportunity to own their own home, in return for being fully compensated for the right to buy discount.

David Orr, chief executive at the NHF, said 86% of its members have now voted in favour of putting the proposal forward to Government for consideration.

‘A clear majority of our members - covering 93% of all housing association rented homes - have told us that they want us to go ahead and make an offer to Government,’ he said.

‘Under the terms of the offer the sector has pledged a one for one replacement of all homes sold, which will boost the country’s housing supply. Crucially it would also preserve housing associations’ independence which has allowed them to bring in £76bn in private finance to homes and communities over the last thirty years.’

Several councils have warned they will 'reconsider' their links with housing associations if the deal does go head. There were also criticisms about the lack of consultation with local authorities over the proposals.