Reported return of Right to Buy policy

Various media outlets are reporting that 'Right to Buy', which allowed council tenants to purchase their properties at a discounted rate, is to be re-introduced.

First appearing in 1980 under Margaret Thatcher, Right to Buy has was also mooted in 2015 by David Cameron to sell off housing association properties.

This latest idea could see 2.5 million households become eligible to buy their homes at a discount of up to 70%.

To help boost housing stocks, the government is contemplating axing the rule that developers must build a set number of affordable homes in favour of making them pay into an infrastructure fund that councils can then use to fund their own projects.

A government spokesperson told the Guardian: “We want everyone to be given the chance to own a home of their own, and we keep all options to increase home ownership under review.”

Those opposed to the scheme argue that many of the decent housing association properties have already been sold off and those that remain would not be a tempting purchase to current tenants.

Housing experts have also warned against the sell-off of affordable homes during the cost-of-living crisis and called instead for an increase in housebuilding.