Government publishes consultation on Right to Buy
The government yesterday published its consultation on Right to Buy, setting out its intention to reform the regime in order to stem the decline of social housing stock and how councils can reinvest capital receipts to build new social housing. The government also confirmed that it will not be extending Right to Buy to housing associations, a policy consideration under the previous government.
There are a total of 25 questions in the consultation, asking for a range of views on:
- the qualifying criteria for tenants
- initial and maximum discounts as a percentage of the property value
- which types of properties should be exempted under the scheme
- whether there should be increased restrictions on properties after sale
- the replacement of homes sold under the Right to Buy
- rules governing the use of Right to Buy receipts and how these could be simplified
Of particular interest to Housing LIN members will be those relating to whether to amend the current exclusions from the Right to Buy (Q7). They include:
- Properties where the landlord is a co-operative housing association or properties held on licence (such as almshouses).
- A home that is particularly suitable for occupation by an elderly person.
- A home that is one of a group of homes particularly suitable for elderly people and is let to a person aged 60 or over, and where the services of a warden are provided.
- A home that is one of a group of homes designed with special features for letting to people with physical disabilities.
- A home that is one of a group of homes let to tenants who are suffering or have suffered from a mental disorder where social services or other special facilities are provided.
The consultation recognises that its terminology for sheltered housing and definitions such as bungalows could both be improved. There is also no specific reference to specialist or supported housing. However, it also suggests where a property has been substantially adapted or is suitable for an older person, these should be excluded from the Right to Buy.
Furthermore, under Equalities Duties the consultations asks whether the proposals could negatively or positively impact people who have a protected characteristic. For example, by age or disability (Q25).
Lastly, the consultation is silent on other incentives to buy that are open to older and disabled housing tenants, such as HOLD. While not specific to Right to Buy, Housing LIN members may nonetheless want to highlight how this and other tenant incentives have increased access to home ownership amongst some older and disabled adults.
The 8 week consultation ends on 15 January 2025.