HC Deb 14 November 1979 vol 973 cc657-8W
55. Mr. Cockeram

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures are being considered by Her Majesty's Government to give help to first-time buyers.

Mr. Stanley

In addition to mortgage tax relief or option mortgage subsidy some help is already available to first-time purchasers via the homeloan scheme. Among the proposals to help first-time buyers to be included in the forthcoming housing Bill are: the right to buy at substantial discounts for local authority and new town tenants, the removal of obstacles in existing legislation to shared ownership schemes, and the granting of financial assistance to local authorities and housing associations which improve dilapidated homes for sale.

Any further measures would have to be considered against the background of the overall economic position.