Who else thinks right-to-buy, sell on at market price ( and huge profit) is the province of scumbags?

Question

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I am thinking of people who get council houses, then have housing benefit pay their rent for years so that they can eventually buy the place for just a few thousand, and then sell it on at a huge profit. Thereby lowering the stock of affordable rented housing for those who come after, and doing nothing for people who want scrimp and save to be able to own their house.

Am I alone in thinking that this is wrong?

Answer 1

No, you're right.

I tried getting Council Tax benefit for my private rented house, but couldn't even though I don't claim anything else and never have done.

Later I found out that if I already received Income support, disability etc. I could get over £100/month no problem! What's that about? No wonder these benefits attract so many sub-human scumbags.

Answer 2

Not everyone in a council house is a benefit scrounger and those who have rented for many years and spent good money keeping their home in good condition have earned their rebate.

I just wish councils would kick out those tenants who cannot behave themselves and turn their homes into slums.

If you cannot look after a home provided for you at little or no cost then you should be turfed out.

Answer 3

I don't think there should be any "right to buy" in the first place.

(I live in one, by the way.)

Answer 4

Yes, I was against right-to-buy as well, it has just reduced the stock of council housing for less well-off people who need it.

However, just to point out that in many areas now the discount has been much reduced so tenants cannot purchase for a few thousand, in my area of London it's gone to £16,000 maximum, so there is nothing like the 50% or 60% discount of previous years