There are fears that extending the right of purchase to tenants of housing associations could further reduce the available social housing stock, according to ITV News political correspondent Daniel Hewitt. Boris Johnson has plans to extend the right of purchase to tenants of housing associations as he seeks to repair his property following a Tory uprising against his leadership. The prime minister used a keynote address in Lancashire on Thursday to announce new measures to help potential millions enter the real estate scale. He argued that the 30 30 billion housing allowance going to rent could be better used to help people buy their homes. The Times reports that the vision of giving millions the opportunity to buy their social fortunes at discounts of up to 70% is likely to be limited to a number of pilots for the time being, without additional government funding. However, Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said the plan – a version of which was released in 2015 – was proof that the government was “completely irrelevant to the ideas”. He said the plan for housing associations to replace the homes they were selling was a “revived” idea that even Housing Minister Michael Gove did not believe would work. “They are so detached, they are so divided that they are now chasing ideas that they themselves had as pilots seven years ago. [They] to know that it will not work. “For people who want to buy a house, affordable housing, this is not the answer. They know it is not the answer – I do not think it will actually happen.” ITV News political correspondent Daniel Hewitt, who has spent the past 18 months investigating the state of social housing across the country, said the move risks further depleting the UK’s already low reserves. He said there are 120,000 children across the country in temporary accommodation, waiting for permanent housing. “Is there a debate in the government about what the priority is. Is it for building social housing or is it helping social housing tenants?” Speaking to ITV News, Housing Secretary Michael Gove insisted that the right of purchase for tenants of housing associations could not lead to the depletion of the stock of social housing, insisting that for every house sold to be built to replace it. However, as Daniel Hewitt points out, the government is not directly responsible for the sale or construction of social housing, so this is a “tough guarantee” to be given. The prime minister also vowed to make detailed “reforms to help people cut costs in every area of household spending” in the coming weeks, as he seeks to mitigate the impact of the price spike. The moves will be part of a plan by the prime minister to reassert his authority after he survived Monday’s vote of confidence, despite a 41% uprising by lawmakers. Although he survived the coup attempt, Mr. Johnson’s rule has been overthrown by 148 Conservatives, who say they have no confidence in his leadership. ITV News political editor Robert Peston said some Torres lawmakers believe the big announcement about Boris Johnson’s housing looks good as a headline – but do not think the technical issues will be overcome. Boris Johnson is seeking to reassert his authority after surviving Monday’s vote of confidence. “We have the tools we need to overcome rising prices,” Johnson said. “Global headwinds are strong, but our engines are stronger. “And while it will not be quick or easy, you can be sure that things will improve, that we will emerge from it a strong country with a healthy economy.” He added: “In the coming weeks, the government will launch reforms to help people cut costs in every area of household spending, from food to energy, childcare, transportation and housing.” And he promised to “reduce the costs the government imposes on businesses and people up and down the country” despite his previous tax increases. Do you want a quick and specific update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know On Wednesday, Mr Johnson said the government would “extend home ownership to millions” as it promised to continue at No. 10 despite the unrest. Information from Downing Street ahead of Thursday’s speech gave little details on how the proposal would actually work, but the PA news agency said Mr Johnson would confirm his intention to give tenants the right to buy their homes. The proposals for tenants to be able to buy their social housing at a discount are not new and appeared in David Cameron’s manifesto for the Conservatives in 2015. After this promise failed to materialize, Mr. Johnson vowed to consider new pilots for program ahead of the 2019 general elections. Encouraging the construction of a wave of modular or “flat” houses is another new measure that is being actively considered, but it was not clear whether the prime minister would commit to moving in his speech.
