Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford, has welcomed figures showing that the number of sales through the Right to Buy scheme has trebled across Havering.
Andrew said:
“It’s great news that the number of people buying their own council home has trebled. After years of Labour running down the Right to Buy, the Conservatives have radically increased the discounts. More and more people are now taking advantage of this opportunity – real proof that Conservative policies are helping those people who work hard and want to get on in life.”
In the same week that new figures were published showing the number of council tenants buying their homes through the Right to Buy has more than trebled in Havering, Andrew Rosindell M.P. has challenged Havering Council to make sure it is doing everything it can to promote the dramatically increased discounts.
Launched in April last year, the new Right to Buy offers council tenants discounts of up to £100,000 in London to help them buy their home. Local councils have a legal duty to inform tenants about the increased discounts, but there has previously been concern that some councils have not done everything they can to make tenants aware of the new opportunities.
In answer to a Parliamentary Question from Andrew, the Minister for Housing said:
“Since the new discounts were introduced in April 2012, Right to Buy sales have trebled in Havering compared to the year before. But there is more to do to help inform tenants about their new rights and the new London discount of up to £100,000.”
Andrew concluded:
“Havering Council should now do everything it can to make sure all its tenants are aware of what this Government is doing to help hardworking people realise their aspiration of home ownership.”
The figures for Havering Right to Buy sales are as follows: 2009-10: 13; 2010-11: 18; 2011-12: 15; 2012-13: 49.