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

Navigating the new procurement landscape

By Jonathan Werran | 16 October 2025

A Localis study puts forward a series of recommendations on how councils can make the most of the new procurement landscape. Jonathan Werran says local autho...

HOUSING

Shining a light on mental health

By Jessica Mullinger | 16 October 2025

Wellbeing is not a luxury, it is core to a healthy organisation. Jessica Mullinger looks at some of the ways to protect mental health and wellbeing in the wo...

HOUSING

How productive is local government – and are there any savings left?

By Jeremy Cooper | 15 October 2025

As the sector awaits the launch of the Local Government Outcomes Framework, how ready is local government to understand and drive productivity? There is good...

HOUSING

Avoiding enclaves for the affluent

By Darren Rodwell | 15 October 2025

The Government is to set up a New Towns Unit. Darren Rodwell says unlocking the potential of new towns calls for a focus on innovation and inclusive growth.

Popular articles by William Eichler