Right To Buy Extension Pilot Could Damage Supply In West Midlands

A West Midlands pilot of the Right to Buy for housing associations could add to stock pressures in the region, a new report warns. The report, which was authored by independent think tanks Futures Network West Midlands and the Human City Institute, argues that associations offering tenants the right to purchase their homes at a discount could lead to dwindling numbers of high quality social housing stock. Housing minister Gavin Barwell has said the West Midlands is a “strong contender” for a regional voluntary Right to Buy pilot for associations. Read more on Inside Housing.

Ministers Urged To Delay Tougher Efficiency Goals

The government should scrap plans to increase the energy efficiency of new homes next year because of a lack of progress in meeting current goals, a think tank has claimed.  The Futures Group – a newly formed alliance of house builders, building product manufacturers, and regulators – wants the government to hold off from introducing more stringent carbon dioxide reduction targets until more homes have been built to existing standards. Under plans set out by the Labour government building regulations are due to be tightened next year, introducing a 44 per cent carbon dioxide reduction target for new homes compared with a 2006 benchmark. The current target, introduced in 2010, requires a 25 per cent reduction.  Read more on Inside Housing.