Yesterday the Prime Minister unveiled the Conservative Party's manifesto with a positive message, telling voters: "we are on the brink of something special in our country. The next five years are about turning the good news in our economy into a good life for you and your family."
Included in the manifesto were a number of excellent policies that will benefit working families, such as freezing rail fares in real terms, taking workers on the minimum wage out of income tax all together and DOUBLING the amount of free childcare per week to thirty hours - worth £5,000 per year.
However one commitment really stood out. It sets us apart from all of the other parties and reflects our belief in Britain as a home-owning democracy: The Conservatives will extend the Right to Buy to tenants of housing association properties. In Shepway this will mean 1,920 families will potentially be able to buy their housing association home – addressing the unfairness that has meant that up to now only council house tenants could buy their home.
Across England 1.3 million families will have the chance to buy their housing association home – that’s 1.3 million more families being able to achieve their dream of owning their own home.
Homes that are sold will be replaced by new affordable homes. In addition, by requiring councils to sell their expansive council houses as they become vacant £1 billion will be made available to bring derelict, brownfield land back into use for housing.
Right to Buy has already helped over two million families get on the housing ladder since it was first launched in 1980 and now many more people will have the same opportunity.
This is part of our commitment to back families who have worked hard, paid their rent and played by the rules. This will mean a new generation of people able to achieve their dream and enjoy the security that comes from owning your own home.
