seagullsovergrimsby
#cpfctinpotclub
The 'Right to Buy' policy, whatever anyone may say was indeed a good policy BUT, where it fell down was that there was no insistence that the proceeds from such sales were not re-invested in building 'MORE' affordable properties to replace them ( backed with further government funds ). Of course local authorities were going to delight in that extra figure in their annual budget as, I understand, there was no control.
Whilst on this general subject, I feel that, through the general taxation system, policies should be in force that make it much less profitable for 'Buy to Let' purchasers ( those having to borrow to do so ) thus easing the plight of genuine first time property buyers.
The problem is a £200k property can be bought under right to buy by a tenant for £100k with a 50% discount but by the time the local authority sees any of the proceeds this has been whittled down to about £30k because a large chunk goes back into Treasury coffers. As I understand it any proceeds from right to buy during the 1980's and 1990's couldn't be used by the local authority to build replacement housing as it could only be used to clear council debt