Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has unveiled a consultation into shaking up the right to buy policy, which could see some social housing tenants restricted from buying their home.
Speaking at the Social Housing Annual Conference in London, Rayner applauded the policy but said changes needed to be made as “too many homes [are being] sold and not being replaced.”
According to government statistics, between April 2012 and March 2024 over 124,000 right to buy sales have taken place with council housing. Fewer than 48,000 were replaced during this time.
The government has launched a consultation which proposed increasing the eligibility of tenants before they can buy their homes, which is currently three years.
The government is seeking input on raising this to five, 10 or more years.
Other considerations being put forward are a ban on tenants buying new builds, at least for a certain period, to better incentivise councils to invest in new stock.
The government has already decided it will not extend the right to buy policy to housing associations, but eligible tenants will still be able to buy their homes though at a reduced discount (ranging from £9,000 to £16,000 depending on location).
The government is also consulting on introducing restrictions on letting properties purchased through right to buy, with almost 40% of ex-council flats let out since being let out.
Greater flexibility is also being explored around how councils spend proceeds from right to buy sales.
Rayner, who herself used right to buy, said the policy had made the housing crisis worse.
She told the audience primarily of councils and housing association representatives: “Today, I am asking you to work with me. In partnership. To deliver on our shared ambitions. And you know what a difference we can make.
“I need you to step up. And I know it’s difficult. And I want to help. I waited eight years for this opportunity to serve and to give back, so tell me what more I can do to help you. And I promise that I will work with you to deliver.”
