HC Deb 17 November 1997 vol 301 cc8-9W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to include bungalows for elderly and disabled people with the right-to-buy scheme. [16483]

Mr. Raynsford

Disabled or elderly people are already able to buy bungalows under the right-to-buy scheme, unless the dwelling is sheltered accommodation which is specially built for people with disabilities, or let to elderly people and part of a group of dwellings with support services or facilities provided nearby. Under paragraph 11 of Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985, landlords may exclude from the right to buy non-sheltered bungalows if they were first let to elderly people before 1990 and are particularly suitable for such people; however, tenants who disagree with their landlords have a right to appeal to the Secretary of State against such decisions. Housing which has been adapted to make it suitable for disabled people is not excluded from the right to buy.