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Suspension of Right to Buy granted by Welsh Government
Published: 23/02/2017
Flintshire County Council has been successful in its application to Welsh
Government to suspend the Right to Buy in respect of all council dwellings.
Over the last 25 years the number of Council homes available for rent has
reduced through Right to Buy sales, whilst the number of people in need of
council housing has continued to rise. Between 1996 and 2016, a total of 1,606
properties were sold.
During 2016, the Council started its ambitious Strategic Housing And
Regeneration Programme (SHARP) which will see 500 new council and affordable
homes built across Flintshire by 2020.
By suspending the Right to Buy, Flintshire not only retains its existing
council housing stock levels but also safeguards these new properties to
maximise the housing opportunities for local people living in Flintshire. The
suspension has been granted for five years.
The Council Leader Aaron Shotton said;
“I am pleased that the First Minister has approved our request to suspend the
Right to Buy scheme in Flintshire. The Right to Buy policy has seen the
depletion of our much needed social housing stock, the suspension of Right to
Buy along with our extensive new build programme of council houses for our
residents secures the provision of quality affordable housing in Flintshire and
builds on one of this Council’s top priorities?
Clare Budden, Chief Officer Community and Enterprise said;
“Suspending the Right to Buy is essential for maximising the housing
opportunities for all individuals and families living across Flintshire and it
reinforces our future plans for the continuing modernisation and investment in
Council homes and services for our tenants.”