Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Right to buy | |
Posted by: | Sam Hearn | |
Date/Time: | 16/04/15 11:16:00 |
"nobody has come up with a cogent argument for giving people these rights." 1. The money raised will be used to build new properties in the same sector that otherwise would not have been built i.e. increase the overall supply. The original right to buy scheme was flawed in this respect but was subsequently improved. 2. Council tenants (and certain private sector tenants) have the right to buy so why should this same right be denied to those who happen to live in other forms of social housing? No major party proposes to abolish the right to buy for Council tenants. 3. The discount reflects the commercial reality that there is a sitting tenant in the property. Landlords with tenants on registered rents can expect up to a one third discount if they try and sell. 4. There are problems that emerge when properties leave the social housing sector but legislation has long existed to deal with bad practices by dodgy landlords. Local Authorities should be shamed into enforcing the laws that are already there. 5. Ultimately housing policy should about providing individuals with choice and diversity in the housing market. One size does not fit all. For some renting in the social housing sector will be the only long term option, for others the private rental sector offers many advantages. Just because the Germans and others do not aspire to home ownership is that any reason why the British should not? The final litmus test should be Chairman Deng's "what does it matter if a cat is black or white so long as it catches mice?" The answer to our Nation's housing problems probably lies with a piebald cat and I feel sure that Chairman Deng would have approved. |