§ 26. Mr. Hugh Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of houses are now in owner occupation as a result of purchases from the public sectors of new towns, the Scottish Special Housing Association and district or regional housing authorities; and what proposals he has to review the social consequences of promoting further sales of such houses.
§ Mr. AncramIt is estimated that about 10 per cent. of the stock in owner-occupation in Scotland at 31 December 1985 was formerly in public ownership. A major component of our housing policy is to encourage public sector tenants to exercise their right to buy their homes. Sales offer advantages to the purchasers, the selling landlords and their remaining tenants. 80,500 former public sector tenants have bought their homes since April 1979 and are now enjoying the benefits of home ownership; and sales over this period have released over £600 million additional resources for housing authorities and agencies to re-invest in the remaining public sector stock. We will continue to monitor the success of the right-to-buy policy.