Oliver Dowden: 7,220 families in Hertsmere will have the right to buy their housing association home thanks to the Conservatives

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Hertsmere, Oliver Dowden, has welcomed a new manifesto commitment by the Conservatives to extend the Right to Buy to the tenants of housing association properties.

In Hertsmere this will mean 7,220 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.

Oliver Dowden commented:

"Conservatives want more people who work hard and save up to be able to enjoy the security of owning their own home.

"That is why we are committed to extend Right to Buy to housing association tenants. This will mean 7,220 families in Hertsmere will have the chance to buy their home. 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".