HC Deb 19 May 2003 vol 405 cc626-7W
Mr. Pickles

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement on plans to extend the reduction in right to buy discounts; [113564]

(2) how many authorities have applied to his Department to have the reduction in right to buy discounts extended to their local authority area. [113565]

Mr. McNulty

The Government's recent decision to lower maximum Right to Buy discounts in 41 areas that are under the greatest housing market pressure led to calls for further, more widespread, reductions, including from 11 local authorities. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not rule out further changes and will keep the matter under review. However, the Government is committed to the principle of the Right to Buy and to helping social tenants into home ownership in ways that do not damage the interests of others in housing need. The Home Ownership Task Force, announced by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister in February as part of the Sustainable Communities action plan, is currently considering the various schemes currently available to potential homeowners on low or modest incomes, with the aim of identifying the most effective ways of promoting sustainable home ownership.