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<p>Under the Housing Act 1985 and associated secondary legislation, social landlords
have a duty to supply information to their tenants to make them aware of how they
can exercise their Right to Buy.</p><p> </p><p>However, it has been clear that some
Labour councils have not enthusiastically done this, trying to keep their tenants
in the dark. My Department has used a variety of media channels to raise awareness
of the Right to Buy. We are open to representations on how we can further take forward
the Right to Buy.</p><p> </p><p>More broadly, Right to Buy sales help councils boost
housing construction and reduce housing waiting lists. Since the Right to Buy was
reinvigorated in England, £730 million in sales receipts are being re-invested in
affordable house building; levering a further £1.7 billion of investment over the
next 2 years. This means that in total, over £2.4 billion will be raised to invest
in affordable house building as a result of the Right to Buy.</p><p> </p><p>My Department
recently announced a new £42 million fund in 2015-16 to help council tenants who are
eligible for Right to Buy to purchase a home on the open market. This will prioritise
several groups of council tenants, including older people and will give those older
people an opportunity to buy a home which is more suitable for their needs, or closer
to family or support networks.</p>
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