Title

HOUSING

Right to Buy extended to housing association tenants

Council leaders have warned that any homes sold under the newly-extended Right to Buy scheme must be replaced on a like-for-like basis.

Council leaders have warned that any homes sold under the newly-extended Right to Buy scheme must be replaced on a like-for-like basis.

Today Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that up to 2.5 million housing association tenants will be given the right to buy them outright.

Mr Johnson pledged that for every home sold - which will be offered up to 70% off the market value - one new social home would be built.

But the Local Government Association (LGA) warned the number of new council homes being sold was already not keeping pace with the current Right to Buy scheme.

LGA housing spokesperson, David Renard, said: 'Any houses sold must be replaced quickly, in the same local authority area and on a like-for-like basis.

'Equally, the cost of discounts must not be funded from the sale of council housing stock nor be met from existing Government funding commitments for delivery of additional affordable homes.'

Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, Clive Betts, added: 'The Prime Minister needs to make clear that, if the Government presses ahead with extending Right to Buy for those renting housing association properties, it is vital the money goes back into the system of social housing so that new homes can be made available for low-cost rent and purchase.'

HOUSING

Scottish councils failing to spend house building funds

By Neil Merrick | 21 January 2026

Councils and housing associations in Scotland are failing to spend significant sums put aside for building homes, figures have revealed.

HOUSING

National conversation on neighbourhoods needed

By Neil Merrick | 20 January 2026

A senior Local Government Association (LGA) figure has called for a national conversation over the role of councils in improving neighbourhoods.

HOUSING

AI: powering the next chapter of UK local government

By Emma Foy | 19 January 2026

One year on from the national AI Action Plan, Emma Foy says those who move early – and move responsibly – will shape the future of local government service d...

HOUSING

EXCLUSIVE: LGA plan hits mid ranks

By Heather Jameson | 15 January 2026

The latest plans to slash the pay for Local Government Association (LGA) staff are unlikely to hit those on the very highest salaries, figures leaked to The ...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman