§ 7. Sandra GidleyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action he is taking to prevent abuses of the right to buy system. [185314]
§ Mr. RaynsfordIn March 2003 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister reduced right to buy discounts in 41 local authority areas under the greatest housing market pressure and we have included provisions in the Housing Bill to tackle exploitation of the scheme.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has also made it easier for landlords in rural areas to restrict the resale of ex-Right to Buy homes to local people. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends shortly to lay an Order before Parliament in accordance with section 157 of the Housing Act 1985, designating Test Valley as a rural area for this purpose, in addition to the 30 other areas already designated.