The National Housing Federation has called on the government to reform the Right to Buy scheme and cut the discounts available to tenants in a bid to stem the loss of social housing.
Between April and June, 2,845 council-owned properties were sold to tenants. However, only 675 new houses were started or acquired by councils using Right to Buy funds. The scheme, which has seen more than two million homes sold, has left councils and housing associations unable to replenish the housing stock.
The NHF has expressed concerns that heavy discounts will leave a shortfall in the availability of affordable homes in the future.
Furthermore, discussions to reduce the eligibility period of residents from five years to three has also been a source of worry.
In a letter sent to Housing Minister Brandon Lewis, the federation’s Chief Executive David Orr said: “We support right to buy for helping people into home ownership, but that should not be at the expense of the 1.7 million people currently waiting for desperately needed social housing across England.
“Selling off homes at a price that leaves very little to replace them does not make sense. Unless we can replace every sold home with a new affordable home, there will be drastic consequences for future generations.”
In Scotland, the Right to Buy scheme has been scrapped. The last sales will finish in August 2016.