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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.”