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1,500 homes return to council ownership in London
1,500 homes have returned to council ownership in London, under the mayor's 'Right to Buy-back' scheme.
The scheme was launched in July 2021, with allocated funds for councils to turn market homes in council homes or accommodation for homeless families.
14 boroughs have been allocated funds from the scheme so far.
The 1,577 market homes that have been purchased, have been or will be converted into affordable housing, either council homes let at social rent or homes to be let as accommodation for homeless households.
The scheme was expanded in August 2021, to support councils with the arrival of Afghan refugees, with two boroughs being able to purchase 39 homes for Afghan families.
A £4 million fund has also been announced for boroughs to unlock land for council homes. This money will be used by boroughs to hire new staff, boost in-house skills and capacity of staff purchasing these homes and to cover technical services that helps to shift these homes from the market into council ownership.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “For more than 40 years, London’s precious council homes have been disappearing into the private sector, often never to be replaced. As Mayor I have maintained a relentless focus on stemming the tide and replenishing London’s social housing stock.
“I am proud that, thanks to my interventions, we have brought council homebuilding back up to levels not seen since the 1970s and I’m hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm I see from boroughs across London for building new council homes and using my Right to Buy-back scheme to return homes to public ownership.
“These homes were built for the public good and it has been painful to watch them disappear into private portfolios. Returning these homes to public ownership is a key part of my plan to build a better London for everyone – a city that is greener, fairer and more prosperous for all.”
Councillor Tom Bruce, cabinet member for regeneration and development at Hounslow Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Mayor of London on this fantastic scheme. With 188 languages spoken in the borough, Hounslow is a diverse community that has proud history of supporting refugees.”
“We recently purchased fifteen properties for Afghan refugees under this scheme and we look forward to them becoming proud residents of Hounslow.”
Image: Pixabay
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