A delighted Hammersmith couple are the first to benefit from yesterday’s decision to scrap the cap on the Right to Buy discount.
By Helena Hickey, Giorgina Ramazzotti, Robin Jellis
A delighted Hammersmith couple are the first in the UK to benefit from yesterday’s decision to scrap the cap on the Right to Buy discount.
Tarek Tuzani and Laura Stevens registered for the new £75,000 discount at 9am and are using the saving to build their daughter a bedroom in their St Peter’s Grove flat.
“I am sure that we shall feel especially proud when we open the front door for the first time as owners of the property,” Tarek said.
“We will finally be getting onto the housing ladder and it does feel quite empowering.”
The government claim money received from Right to Buy sales is expected to fund up to 100,000 new homes and support 200,000 jobs.
However, Chief Executive of homeless charity Shelter, Campbell Robb, feels the policy falls short of the 250,000 new homes needed yearly to meet demand.
“We are concerned schemes to help first-time buyers and council tenants will simply encourage people to overextend themselves, while doing nothing to address the sky-high cost of housing.”
A spokesperson for St Mungo’s homeless shelter in Hammersmith agreed and said they fear the increased discount could impact on homeless numbers.
“Affordable housing across London is an issue, despite plans to build more homes. There is incredible demand for housing, and supply is not high enough,” they said.
Despite this criticism, Councillor Andrew Johnson, Cabinet Member for Housing, is a strong advocate of the amended act.
“Owning your own home gives you a greater stake in your community and a greater stake in your own future prosperity,” he said.
“The £75,000 reduction will have a hugely positive impact on the lives of many people in this borough.”
To qualify for the discount, tenants must have lived in the property for at least five years, and it must be their only or principal home.
Eligible tenants can meet council experts at one of three Hammersmith and Fulham Right to Buy road-shows, on April 21, May 5 and May 19 across the borough.
For more information email Hammersmith and Fulham Right to Buy on h&[email protected] or call 020 8753 6464.
