Assembly committee backs proposed law that could see right to buy suspended

18 January 2011

A proposed new law that would allow the suspension of the right to buy, in areas of housing pressure, has been backed by a cross-party committee of Assembly Members.

The National Assembly for Wales’s Legislation Committee No.2 has supported, in principle, the proposed Housing (Wales) Measure.

If passed, it would give Welsh Ministers the power to approve the temporary suspension of the right to buy and right to acquire council or housing association-owned homes.

The proposed Measure will also give Welsh Ministers enhanced regulatory and intervention powers relating to Registered Social Landlords.

“The Committee was pleased to see that steps are being taken to improve access to social housing in Wales,” said Committee Chair, Val Lloyd AM.

“The majority of evidence received indicated a general support for the suspension of the right to buy and the need for legislation in this area.”

The Committee has made some recommendations for changes to the proposed measure, particularly in the area of consultation, and adding timescales to ensure any applications by tenants to implement the right to buy are not stayed indefinitely whilst local authorities are applying for a suspension.

The proposed Measure would allow for a suspension of up to five years, with a further extension to a maximum of ten years.

Only local councils can apply to suspend the right to buy.

The new regulatory framework will cover performance, inspection, enforcement, penalties and compensation.