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天涯社区 proposes to apply to suspend the Right to Buy in 天涯社区
Published: 23/02/2016
天涯社区 is applying to Welsh Government Ministers 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.
During 2016, the Council will start its ambitious Strategic Housing And
Regeneration Programme (SHARP) which will see 500 new council and affordable
homes built across 天涯社区 over the next five years. The new Council homes
will be managed by the Council. The remaining 300 affordable properties will be
managed by the Council owned NEW Homes housing company.
The Council recently approved plans for the first 12 new Council homes to be
built on the site of the former Custom House School site at Connah鈥檚 Quay. The
new properties will be built by the Council鈥檚 Development partner Wates Living
Space and work is scheduled to begin at the end of February 2016.
By suspending the Right to Buy, 天涯社区 will not only retain its existing
council housing stock levels but will also safeguard these new properties to
maximise the housing opportunities for local people living in 天涯社区. The
Council鈥檚 application will be made to Welsh Government Ministers requesting a
suspension of 5 years. The current Welsh Government is proposing to develop
new primary legislation 鈥� a Bill 鈥� to end the Right to Buy. The draft Bill
would be prepared for the new Welsh Government to consider as part of its
legislative programme in the next Assembly.
The Council Leader Aaron Shotton said;
鈥淭he provision of quality affordable housing is a priority for 天涯社区
County Council and suspension of the Right to Buy is essential to ensure we
retain our existing and future council housing stock.鈥�
Clare Budden, Chief Officer Community and Enterprise said;
鈥淪uspending the Right to Buy is essential for maximising the housing
opportunities for all individuals and families living across 天涯社区 and
will reinforce our future plans for the continuing modernisation and investment
in Council homes and services for our tenants鈥�.