John Stevenson MP for Carlisle has made representations to Brandon Lewis MP, Housing Minister regarding the changes to Right to Buy.
John is campaigning against the expansion of Right to Buy policy adversely affecting community land trusts.
A community land trust is a non-profit corporation that develops and stewards affordable housing, community gardens, civic buildings, commercial spaces and other community assets on behalf of a community.
John said ‘I am fully behind the Right to Buy policy and the expansion of it. The policy has made it possible for many people to become home owners and I think it is important that even more people are given the opportunity of being a homeowner.
However, Community Land Trust properties are not currently included in the Right to Buy scheme and I believe that this should remain. Community Land Trusts provide housing for communities. I think that it is important that these houses should remain available to people who have grown up in communities who might not necessarily be able to afford to buy a house in a particular area.
The cost of building in more rural areas is more expensive as it is more difficult to achieve economies of scale.’