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Flintshire County Council proposes to apply to suspend the Right to Buy in Flintshire

Published: 23/02/2016

Flintshire 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 Flintshire 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’s Quay. The new properties will be built by the Council’s Development partner Wates Living Space and work is scheduled to begin at the end of February 2016. By suspending the Right to Buy, Flintshire 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 Flintshire. The Council’s 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 – a Bill – 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; “The provision of quality affordable housing is a priority for Flintshire County Council and suspension of the Right to Buy is essential to ensure we retain our existing and future council housing stock.” Clare Budden, Chief Officer Community and Enterprise said; “Suspending the Right to Buy is essential for maximising the housing opportunities for all individuals and families living across Flintshire and will reinforce our future plans for the continuing modernisation and investment in Council homes and services for our tenants”.