The LGA has said government reforms to Right to Buy (RTB) are a step in the right direction for councils seeking greater control over housing stock.
Ministers have confirmed they will legislate to extend the minimum eligibility period from three to 10 years, change discount rules and exempt newly built social homes from sale for 35 years.
Councils can now retain 100 per cent of RTB receipts and combine them with grant funding to build or buy replacement homes.
An LGA spokesperson said: “While Right to Buy has supported many into homeownership, the scheme has impacted council housing stock significantly as councils struggle to deliver homes needed to replace those bought through the scheme.
“The recent reforms to RTB – something the LGA has long called for – are a step in the right direction for councils as they seek greater control over their housing stock. This announcement provides useful clarity for councils.
“We urge government to ensure the legislation needed to reform the scheme is brought forward soon.”