Title

HOUSING

Councils back Right to Buy reforms but seek more flexibility

Reforms to Right to Buy (RtB) have given councils greater confidence in protecting and growing their housing stock, according to a Local Government Association (LGA) survey.

Social housing (c) Nigel J. Harris/Shutterstock

Social housing (c) Nigel J. Harris/Shutterstock

Reforms to Right to Buy (RtB) have given councils greater confidence in protecting and growing their housing stock, according to a Local Government Association (LGA) survey.

Last year's changes reduced discounts and increased flexibility over how councils could use receipts. 

Nearly half of councils (48%) now feel more positive about housebuilding and a quarter said new schemes have been unlocked.

However, many authorities cited ongoing Housing Revenue Account constraints, with 52% unable to progress new projects.

The LGA, alongside the County Councils' Network and District Councils' Network, urged the Government to ‘go further to ensure that local government is fully empowered to deliver the homes we desperately need' including by allowing individual councils to fix discount levels.

 

HOUSING

EXCLUSIVE: Public rebuffed over reorganisation plans

By Paul Marinko | 30 July 2026

Ministers have gone against the public’s preferred reorganisation option in the majority of areas, The MJ can reveal.

HOUSING

A mayor's journey shows why councils are essential partners in government

By Shabnum Mustapha | 30 July 2026

Shabnum Mustapha says Burnham’s mayoral experience highlights councils’ vital role in delivering national priorities.

HOUSING

Keeping options open

By Justin Galliford | 30 July 2026

Norse Group’s Justin Galliford looks at how partnership can help councils preserve choice through local government reorganisation.

HOUSING

How to keep away from the cliff edge and thrive

By Steve Guest | 30 July 2026

Nicola Chiverton and Steve Guest outline how, with the right planning and leadership development, a period of significant change and challenges can become on...

Popular articles by William Eichler