Posted 07.10.15
In his keynote speech to conference, David Cameron announced sweeping changes to planning laws and a redefinition of 'affordable housing'.
He said:
"If you've worked hard and saved, I don't just want you to have a roof over your head, I want you to have a roof of your own.
"Housing Minister Greg Clark has reached an arrangement with housing associations to allow Right to Buy to apply to their tenants from next year.
"The term 'affordable homes' is deceptive - because it only applies to homes to rent. Other people want a home of their own. ,p>"Rules will be changed to allow developers to build homes to buy on sites only previously available to build 'affordable homes' to rent."
In response with regard the agreement between the housing association sector and the Government to extend the Right to Buy to housing association tenants, David Orr, Chief Executive at the National Housing Federation said:
"We are pleased that the Government has accepted our offer to independently deliver an extension to the Right to Buy. This is a better and more flexible Right to Buy for residents, for housing associations and the nation's housing supply. Residents will get the opportunity to realise their dreams of homeownership and housing associations will be able to replace the homes sold, boosting the nation's housing supply.
"We made the offer on the back of sector-wide support for our proposal, which addresses our initial concerns around supply and independence. This new Right to Buy will help housing associations retain the independence that has allowed them to channel £76 billion in private investment into home building over the last 30 years, and see them get the full market value of homes sold - crucial for building replacements.
"Housing associations are a vital piece of the housing crisis puzzle and natural allies for a Government with serious housebuilding ambitions, having built more than 1 in 3 of all new homes last year. The sector welcomes this opportunity to work closely with Government and bring about a new era for building and begin to end the housing crisis.
"Housing associations have always been committed to helping their tenants get on in life, whether that's finding a job or buying their first home."
