Government Announces Moves To Protect Social Housing

A new law that will ditch the right to buy (RTB) for new council house and housing association tenants moved a step closer today.

In the Scottish Parliament, MSPs debated the Housing Bill, a new package of measures to improve the supply and quality of housing in Scotland.

Once the legislation comes into force, RTB for new social housing and for new tenants in social housing will be scrapped.

The Government also promised tough legislation to crack down on rogue private landlords. Detailed proposals will be announced after discussion with the Local Government and Communities Committee.


Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "The Housing Bill effectively means that the last rites have been given to Right to Buy.

"Over a ten year period that could mean up to 18,000 houses being saved for social renting that otherwise would be lost, the equivalent of three years' worth of new supply in the sector.

"Last week, this Government unveiled measures to deal with rogue landlords operating in Glasgow's Govanhill. We want to act decisively on growing public concern about the small minority of irresponsible private landlords whose behaviour is a blight on communities across Scotland."

(GK)