HC Deb 23 February 1983 vol 37 c930
21. Mr. Jessel

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of shared ownership housing schemes.

Mr. Stanley

The use of shared ownership by first-time buyers in particular is continuing to accelerate and is likely to do so markedly this year as a result of the do-it-yourself shared ownership scheme that I announced in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Heddle) on 24 January, and as a result of the right-to-buy on a shared ownership basis proposed in the Housing and Building Control Bill.

Mr. Jessel

Will my hon. Friend see what can be done to give a fair wind to the excellent shared ownership scheme of the Richmond Upon Thames Churches Housing Trust Ltd. at London road, Twickenham?

Mr. Stanley

I assume that the scheme is in the process of gestation. I shall write to my hon. Friend when I discover the state of play.

Mr. Dubs

Is the Minister aware that many private tenants, especially those with bad landlords, would wish to take part in shared ownership schemes if only they had the opportunity? Will he reconsider his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) about the right of private tenants to buy when the landlord is selling the property? Will he consider giving private tenants the right to buy in those conditions?

Mr. Stanley

As to the availability of shared ownership, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the new scheme that I announced a few weeks ago. We have now created a shared ownership opportunity for all tenants—including those still living with their parents, or single people—throughout the country. In a written answer that I shall give to the hon. Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Cartwright) later today I shall set out the housing associations that will cover each area in England under the do-it-yourself shared ownership scheme. That will provide the opportunity of shared ownership for all who wish to take advantage of it, especially for the first 3,000 sales for which we have made financial provision. The scheme will be helpful.