CONSULTATION: The future of Right to Buy in Scotland

Within the last week the Scottish Government has issued a consultation paper about the future of the Right to Buy. 

The current position

At the moment, people who had a tenancy before September 2002 are entitled to up to:-

• 60% discount of the value if they live in a house (depending on the length of tenancy); or
• 70% discount of the value if they live in a flat.

People who took up their tenancy after September 2002 have what is called the Modernised Right to Buy.  This means that their discount is different and tenants are entitled to:-

• Up to 35% discount of the value regardless if they live in a house or a flat up to a maximum of £15,000.

What are you being consulted on?

In the Scottish Government’s consultation paper, the options for consideration are:-

• That all the people who have had a tenancy before September 2002 discount is reduced to equal those tenants on the Modernised Right to Buy; or
• Right to Buy is abolished; or
• No change to current position. 

What is important for tenants to know:

Clearly this can become quite an emotive subject but tenants should be reminded that the Government is merely consulting at this stage.  Tenants have their say either via our website or to the Scottish Government directly.  There is also a consultation session to be held for tenants on 6 August – organised by TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service Scotland). We will post the details on our website when we have them.

There is no need to rush out and buy your home as the Government can’t change the law on Right to Buy very quickly.  It will take time to change legislation through Parliament.

DGHP’s position  

We would support any proposal that would enable the preservation of as much affordable housing as possible.  The Right to Buy over the years has without doubt eroded social housing to the degree that it is increasing difficult to meet the demand for good quality affordable homes in Dumfries and Galloway.

There is more information available on the Scottish Government's website here.

Join the discussion and get your voice heard here.