One cheer for the government this morning. They say they want to make it easier for tenants in Council or Housing Association properties the chance to buy a share of their home.

The big divide in the UK today is between the majority of us, who own part or all of our home, and the minority who have to pay rent and have no assets. House ownership has been the main route for the many to own some assets and to see their wealth grow.

I want to live in a Britain where more people own assets and have the extra choices that can bring. I just hope the govrnment means this, and really does make it easier for people to buy a stake in their rented property.

Shelter are wrong to say this will not help our society. They are wrong to say this will reduce the supply of rented accommodation for those on lower incomes. If someone buys a stake in the property they rent, they carry on living there. It makes no difference to the supply or demand for accommodation, but it does make a huge difference to the family concerned, who get their feet on the housing ladder.

It could increase the supply of accommodation, if the government/Housing Associations used the receipts they get for

Trackback URI | Comments RSS