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

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner