§ Lord Gray of Contin asked Her Majesty's GovernmentWhether they will increase the maximum discount allowed to tenants exercising the right to buy their homes.
The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Caithness)It has been pointed out that the present limits work unfairly for tenants living in areas where property values are high. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment therefore proposes to lay before the other place an order under Section 131 of the Housing Act 1985, and regulations under Section 171C, raising the limit to £50,000. The present limit of £35,000 was set in January 1987. We are sure the increase will be welcomed by the many tenants in London and the south east who have not been able to exercise their right to buy with the present limit of discount.