Recently, the Right to Buy scheme has been in the news due to concerns about its impact on the availability of social housing in the UK. Critics argue that the policy has led to a decrease in the number of affordable homes available for those in need, as properties sold under Right to Buy are not always replaced at the same rate. This has resulted in a shortage of social housing and an increase in reliance on expensive and often substandard private rental accommodation.
The Right to Buy scheme was introduced in the UK in the 1980s by the Conservative government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. It allows secure tenants of council houses and some housing associations to purchase their homes at a discounted price. The discount offered is based on the length of time the tenant has lived in the property, with maximum discounts varying across regions. The aim of the scheme was to promote homeownership and give tenants a stake in their communities. However, over the years, concerns have been raised about the impact of Right to Buy on the availability of social housing and the affordability of housing for low-income individuals and families.