Laura Sharman 24 November 2017

More than 23,000 social homes were sold last year

The number of properties sold by local authorities under the Right to Buy scheme has increased by 10% in the past year, new figures have revealed.

The statistics from the Department for Communities and Local Government showed that in 2016-17, 13,416 homes were sold under Right to Buy by councils.

The average discount for these properties was 43% of the selling price, 16 percentage points higher than in 2011-12.

Overall, 23,186 social homes were sold in 2016-17, which is 0.6% of the total social housing stock.

Gavin Smart, deputy chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), said: ‘These figures emphasise just how much further we need to go to make sure we have enough social rented homes available – today’s statistics show that 23,186 social homes were sold in 2016-17, while figures released earlier this month revealed that the number of new social rented homes delivered dropped to 5,380, down from 39,560 in 2010/11.’

Analysis by the CIH warned that nearly 250,000 homes for social rent could be lost between 2012 and 2020.

Mr Smart added: ‘If the government is going to meet its new target to deliver 300,000 homes a year, councils will have to play a major part. The chancellor’s decision to relax borrowing caps for councils in high demand areas is very positive, but we hope to see the government build on this move so that we see a return to the levels of council house building we need.

‘Ministers could also take action to help councils build more homes to replace those sold through right to buy, by allowing them to keep 100 per cent of the receipts for example.’

Research published earlier this year warned council homes are being sold off almost three times faster than local authorities can replace them.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner