Half a million poured into right-to-buy
Friday 14 September 2012
Printable
EmailWhitehall bosses have poured over half a million pounds into pushing the Tory revival of right-to-buy, official figures revealed today.
The Communities and Local Government department said it had lavished around two-thirds of its annual advertising budget on the scheme, following a written question from Lib Dem MP Simon Hughes.
The department confirmed £198,000 spent on direct marketing and another £460,332 on print advertising.
Housing Minster Mark Prisk said the spending was necessary "to ensure that eligible social housing tenants are aware of the increased discount now available if they wish to buy their home."
The scheme offers tenants up to £50,000 off the purchase price.
But the construction union Ucatt accused the government of depleting Britain's council housing stock during a national housing crisis.
More than 1.8 million households in England are on council waiting lists and the social housing building budget is to be cut by 60 per cent over the next three years.
If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.
Editorial
Iraq ruling is no vindication
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond believes himself vindicated by the High Court ruling that his Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) is independent.
Features
Turmoil set to continue
A look at the causes and possible outcomes of Silvio Berlusconi and his right-wing coalition's lead in the polls.
Our government has put us at risk
Attacks such as yesterday's horrific murder in Woolwich didn't happen before the 'war on terror.' It's time we recognised the consequences of the conflicts we've unleashed