A recent rise in Right to Buy (RTB) applications is putting pressure on councils attempting to deliver affordable social housing, the LGA warns.
Local authorities reported that RTB applications increased by up to 100 times last autumn following Chancellor Rachel Reeves's announcement about reducing tenants’ discounts when purchasing their council-owned properties under the Government scheme.
The LGA has prompted the Government to ‘ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose’ to prevent interference with councils’ current housing projects.
An LGA spokesperson commented: ‘Whilst there will be positive longer-term benefits of the discount levels in stemming the continued loss of stock, the short-term impact is a spike in the sale of desperately needed social homes. This will further exacerbate the homelessness challenges that councils are working hard to address.’
‘Councils are keen to work with the Government to deliver the social homes our communities need and help relieve the financial pressures that the current shortage is placing on councils.’
