Details of the government’s plan to let tenants buy a stake in their home will not be published until after the general election, it has emerged.

The Housing Corporation had intended to publish its consultation paper on Homebuy – which was announced in the first of the ODPM’s two five-year plans (HT 28 January, page 7) – before Easter.

However this deadline has been abandoned as ODPM officials and ministers have spent much of the past week fighting the Conservative attack on Gypsy and Traveller sites.

It is likely that the prime minister will call the general election in the week starting 4 April. Once this has happened, no consultation papers are allowed to be published.

A source said: “ODPM officials needed one further meeting with John Prescott, however this has been stymied by the Conservative agenda. The important thing is for the ODPM to get the detail [on Homebuy] right.”

The key issues that the sector wants to see addressed include:

  • who will pay for the £16,000 discounts set to be offered to social housing tenants buying a stake
  • confirmation that regional housing boards will be able to provide funds if necessary to help
  • re-purchase homes when the tenant wants to sell back a portion or move.

    An ODPM spokesman was unable to confirm that the consultation would be published before the election. It has also emerged that the ODPM may work with the Guinness Trust to pilot the scheme.

    • Source

    Housing Today