Council housing sell-off continues as government fails to replace most homes sold under Right to Buy

Two-thirds of the council homes sold off under Right to Buy are still not being replaced by new social housing despite a promise by the government, official figures show. Despite being desperately needed, our recent track record on building new social homes is atrocious Polly Neate, chief executive, Shelter “To address this, we need to see the government suspend Right to Buy going forward and prioritisation for social housing being given to people who are homeless so they are able to better access what is currently available. As well as helping to create jobs and get housebuilding going again, this would offer all those without one, their best shot at a safe home.” Asked about the figures, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government said: “The government is committed to Right to Buy, which has helped nearly two million council tenants realise their dream of home ownership and get on the property ladder. “Since 2010 we have delivered more homes for social rent – over 140,000 in total – compared to the number of homes sold under the Right to Buy scheme.” The ministry’s statement is misleading, however, as the 140,000 figure refers to all social housebuilding rather than those homes built to replace housing sold under Right To Buy using receipts earmarked for this purpose.