Following the publication of a summary of responses to the Scottish Government’s housing consultation, Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson Jim Tolson MSP has called on the SNP to devolve the full range of Right-To-Buy powers to local councils.

Liberal Democrats believe that Right-To-Buy should be abolished for all new housing to encourage local authorities to replenish stock.

Commenting, Mr Tolson said:

“It is clear from this consultation document that different housing associations have identified different needs for social rented housing in their areas. This is why Liberal Democrats believe that the full range of Right-To-Buy powers should be devolved to democratically-elected local councils to help them to meet local needs.

“We think that councils, not ministers, should have the power to introduce Pressurised Area Status for up to ten years, vary discounts, or even abolish Right-To-Buy altogether. But, if local councils did decide to go ahead and abolish Right-To-Buy, it would be important that tenants with existing rights were given at least five years to use the right before they lost it.

“I want the Scottish Government to consider the case to go much further on local flexibility when ministers are discussing the broad direction of the Government’s housing policy”