The ODPM figures on right-to-buy sales released last week (21 February, page 10) are interesting but do not reflect the current position in London.

As right-to-buy sales can take years to complete, figures for completions do not give an accurate picture of current interest. A more precise picture can be obtained from looking at levels of applications. Information from London boroughs shows that the level of applications in August to December 2002 is running at about double the level in the corresponding months of 2001.

The research by Heriot Watt University showed that there are particular problems in high-demand areas like London that justify the move to cut discounts.

We need to stop exploitation by unscrupulous companies using the right to buy not to increase owner-occupation, but simply to make money .

Source

Housing Today

Postscript

Councillor Tony Newman, chair, Association of London Government housing panel