Shelter calls for end of right to buy for all new tenants

Published on Wednesday 13 January 2010 20:05

THE right to buy should be scrapped for all new tenancies, according to the housing charity Shelter Scotland.

Ahead of the expected changes to right-to-buy legislation in Scotland to be announced today, Shelter Scotland director Graeme Brown said: "Since right-to-buy was introduced 25 years ago, about half a million public-sector homes have been sold, contributing to Scottish social rented housing levels being at a 50-year low.

"Much of this decline can be attributed to the right-to-buy policy, which has robbed communities of social housing that has often then been sold on the open market for ridiculous prices, particularly at the height of the housing market boom, instead of being re-let to those in housing need.

"But right-to-buy is not the only reason for a decline in housing. A failure to invest in housing by successive governments to help rebuild stock sold has been a key factor in the lack of homes in the 21st century. Governments must recognise investment in housing is a must and reaps rewards, not just in housing people, but also to the wider economy, particularly during this downturn."