There is reported to be a substantial majority amongst housing associations for the compromise deal over the government’s controversial Right To Buy policy.
Two weeks ago the National Housing Federation – which had previously expressed strong opposition to Conservative proposals to give 2.3m housing association tenants the chance to buy their own home – came up with a modified version of the proposal.
The NHF proposal would mean housing associations which participated in the scheme would be fully compensated for the right to buy discount given to their tenants.
The NHF is reported to have said that the vote amongst housing associations – which closed at the end of last week – has seen 86 per cent of federation member associations back the idea. This 86 per cent of association is believed to have responsibility for 93 per cent of housing association homes.
The government has pledged a one for one replacement of all homes sold.
However, there has been substantial opposition to the compromise from some industry and political organisations.
Some councils are reported to have threatened to reconsider their links with associations if the deal goes ahead, while a London Labour housing spokesman says the deal is “riddled with unfairness” which will “decimate” the capital’s housing stock.