Extension of Right To Buy Scheme

[Mister M 1,598]

This right-to-buy scheme is a great idea!

 

Why don't we extend it to privately-renting tenants too?

 

They have just as much right to own their home as council and housing association tenants do.

 

And if a Conservative Government can force not for profit companies to sell their housing stock, even if it means they risk bankruptcy, can a future Government of a different political stripe force private for-profit companies to sell off their assets?

[I1L2T3 10]

Doesn't look legal after all.

 

Basically some housing associations are private not for profit businesses while others are charities. The government can't compel a private business or a charity to dispose of its assets at much less than market value. If the businesses or charities lose their assets they become unviable. The policy places the whole HA sector at risk.

 

It won't happen. It's madness.

[poppet2 13]

Can you give details of a council doing that?

 

Yes, I know of two people in different boroughs in London who have suffered the same problem, it's standard for London. How many 2 bedroom flats cost £500k in Sheffield? Private contractors don't come cheap in London.

 

They wish they never bought on a council estate. They would have been far better buying a leasehold flat in a two story house, then they would only have a roof to worry about.

[The Joker 10]

The government can't compel a private business or a charity to dispose of its assets at much less than market value. If the businesses or charities lose their assets they become unviable. The policy places the whole HA sector at risk.

 

Like the Tories give a damn?!

[I1L2T3 10]

Like the Tories give a damn?!

 

It'll need radical changes to the law. They won't get them through. Not a chance.

[The Joker 10]

It'll need radical changes to the law. They won't get them through. Not a chance.

 

So this is just Cameron's version of Cleggy's "No Tuition Fees" promise?

 

Sadly, your plea will fall on deaf ears.

 

I expect all of England's HA tenants will be wearing blue rosettes on election day!

[I1L2T3 10]

So this is just Cameron's version of Cleggy's "No Tuition Fees" promise?

 

Sadly, your plea will fall on deaf ears.

 

I expect all of England's HA tenants will be wearing blue rosettes on election day!

 

Of course. The Tories aren't going to win outright and any coalition partner will block the policy.

 

Cameron knows he can say what he wants and when he fails to deliver just blame it on being in a coalition.

[sunli 10]

Of course. The Tories aren't going to win outright and any coalition partner will block the policy.

 

Cameron knows he can say what he wants and when he fails to deliver just blame it on being in a coalition.

 

Presumably your claim would be equally valid about Labour's promises .

[I1L2T3 10]

Presumably your claim would be equally valid about Labour's promises .

 

Indeed it would, but this thread is about Cameron's idea. You can't derail the thread by getting uppity because Miliband hasn't had the same stupid idea.

[Alan Ladd 10]

And if a Conservative Government can force not for profit companies to sell their housing stock, even if it means they risk bankruptcy, can a future Government of a different political stripe force private for-profit companies to sell off their assets?

 

A government ado anything if they can force a law through parliament. Unless of course it contravenes EEC law to which in this case I believe we would be subservient.

 

---------- Post added 16-04-2015 at 10:30 ----------

 

I stick to my prediction about the outcome, Cameron by ten to 15 seats.

 

Alternative? Conservative UKIP coalition.

[poppet2 13]

And, as for RTB on Housing Association properties, how would you overcome the fact that most HAs are also charities?

Do you advocate asset-stripping the charities? Does Conservative Party policy?

 

Good point. Do you know roughly what percentage of HA's are charities, Jeffrey?

 

How come the other political parties haven't realised and started attacking Cameron for this 'off the hoof' policy. Is this Cameron's Cleggie moment?

 

Besides, even if HA's were forced to offer RTB to their tenants, why would they build property in the future, if after three years tenant's have the RTB?

 

HA's may just as well either not build or sell for the full market value.

[Berberis 10]

Good point. Do you know roughly what percentage of HA's are charities, Jeffrey?

 

How come the other political parties haven't realised and started attacking Cameron for this 'off the hoof' policy. Is this Cameron's Cleggie moment?

 

Besides, even if HA's were forced to offer RTB to their tenants, why would they build property in the future, if after three years tenant's have the RTB?

 

HA's may just as well either not build or sell for the full market value.

 

HA's are only charities as otherwise we would have private profit driven businesses renting out what is publicly funded properties. They have worked round this fact by giving their boards and chief execs earning £300,000 pa. which people are just starting to realise.