Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is reportedly considering scrapping the controversial Right to Buy scheme, just months after it emerged that she personally benefited from it. The Daily Telegraph has learned that Rayner, who also serves as Housing Secretary, is deliberating the end of the scheme for new council homes, a move that could signal a significant shift in government housing policy.
Rayner faced scrutiny after it was revealed that she sold her former council home in Stockport for a profit of £48,500. She had purchased the property at a discounted rate under the Right to Buy scheme, which allows council tenants to buy their homes at reduced prices. The scheme, introduced under Margaret Thatcher’s government, has enabled many to become homeowners but has also been criticized for depleting the stock of affordable housing.
The decision to potentially end Right to Buy comes as pressure mounts from over 100 local authorities, who have called for the scheme to be abolished. A report commissioned by Southwark Council highlighted the financial strain it has placed on councils, estimating a £2.2 billion loss and exacerbating housing shortages.
Rayner’s past involvement with the scheme adds a layer of complexity to the debate. In 2007, she purchased her council house in Stockport for £79,000, benefiting from a 25% discount. Her subsequent sale of the property for a substantial profit has drawn criticism, particularly as she now considers the scheme’s future.
In Parliament, Rayner also declined to rule out scrapping the 25% single person discount for council tax, a move that could affect a wide range of single renters, from young professionals to pensioners. The i newspaper’s analysis suggests that the loss of this discount could cost individuals more than £600 annually in some parts of England.
Despite the speculation, Rayner assured MPs that there are no current plans to increase council tax in England. However, her reluctance to commit to maintaining the single person discount has fuelled concerns about potential financial burdens on vulnerable groups.
When pressed in the Commons by Shadow Communities Secretary Kemi Badenoch, who questioned whether the government planned to increase council tax or remove discounts, Rayner responded with a firm, “Yes,” indicating that no such measures are currently planned.
As the housing crisis continues to dominate the political agenda, the possible abolition of Right to Buy and changes to council tax discounts are set to be contentious issues in the coming months. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government emphasized the urgency of addressing the housing shortage, stating, “We are facing the most acute housing crisis in living memory and are working at pace to reverse the decline in social rent homes.”