Lord Kerslake speaks out

Lord Kerslake speaking at The Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual conference in Manchester renewed his attack on the governments plans to extend the right to buy to housing Associations.

He claimed that the proposal is wrong in principle and wrong in practice, Lord Kerslake, who is the chair of housing group Peabody, reportedly said the “crucial thing” now was for housing associations and local authorities to work together on the right to buy or face being “picked off” by the government.

He went on to say “The proposed extension of right to buy to housing associations seems to me to be the policy solution for which there is no sensible policy question,” he told delegates. “It is wrong in principle and wrong in practice. And it works entirely counter to that overwhelming priority…of promoting new supply. “I thought long and hard about whether to be so forthright in my maiden speech in the Lords…but when you’ve got a policy that is so fundamentally wrong it seems you’ve got a duty to say that.”

Lord Kerslake, former permanent secretary at the Department for Communities and Local Government, also pointed out that, in his opinion, current government housing policy would only build a maximum of 160,000 a year.

The Chartered Institute of Housing Annual Conference and Exhibition is taking place in Manchester over 3 days from 23rd to 25th June dealing with he leading social and affordable housing event in the UK, bringing together housing associations, ALMOs and Local Authorities. The Chartered Institute of Housing Annual Conference and Exhibition focuses on the provision of social and affordable housing and the development of sustainable communities.

Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual conference in Manchester, Lord Kerslake acknowledged that he had gone against the parliamentary tradition of not making a controversial maiden speech but felt compelled to speak out on the issue. He said feedback from fellow peers had been positive.

“The proposed extension of right to buy to housing associations seems to me to be the policy solution for which there is no sensible policy question,” he told delegates. “It is wrong in principle and wrong in practice. And it works entirely counter to that overwhelming priority…of promoting new supply.”

He added: “I thought long and hard about whether to be so forthright in my maiden speech in the Lords…but when you’ve got a policy that is so fundamentally wrong it seems you’ve got a duty to say that.”

Lord Kerslake, who is the chair of housing group Peabody, said the “crucial thing” now was for housing associations and local authorities to work together on the right to buy or face being “picked off” by the government.

Speaking about the London Housing Commission that he has been asked to chair by the IPPR think-tank, Lord Kerslake said: “The intention is to report in March and I don’t want to prejudge the report but I do think one of the key things that will come out of it is the need for greater devolution to the London mayor, to the London boroughs. And by the way, I think devolution is a key part of the agenda across the country.”

Lord Kerslake, former permanent secretary at the Department for Communities and Local Government, also pointed out that, in his opinion, current government housing policy would only build a maximum of 160,000 a year.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Demand for project properties soars versus general market

New research from The Property DriveBuy reveals that demand for fixer-upper properties is easily eclipsing overall market demand as homebuyers demonstrate a strong appetite for renovation projects amidst ongoing affordability restrictions due to stubbornly higher mortgage rates and slow but steady house price growth. Across England, there are currently an estimated 601,525 homes listed for…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

5,600 sellers slash asking price within first 30 days

5,600 home sellers slash asking price within first 30 days of hitting the market, as market stagnates ahead of Autumn Budget The latest research from nationwide cash buying company and quick sale specialists, Springbok Properties, has revealed that as many as 5,559 home sellers have slashed their asking prices within 30 days of entering the…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

How to Protect Your Property Investment Before You Buy or Sell

Buying or selling property can be one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make, which is why protecting that investment should come before anything else. Taking the time to do the right checks and work with the right experts saves you from expensive surprises in the future. Preparation gives you power when it comes…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Market remains resilient, but not strong enough to drive usual Autumn bounce

The average price of property coming to the market for sale rises by 0.3% (+£1,165) this month to £371,422. This is below the ten-year average October bounce of +1.1%, as the decade-high level of property for sale limits seller pricing power The month of September saw a softening of activity year-on-year compared with a strong…
Read More
Breaking News

House prices post second consecutive quarter of growth this year

The latest Property Market Index Review by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed that the property market has continued to demonstrate resilience in 2025, with house prices increasing for a second consecutive quarter in Q2, following four consecutive quarterly increases seen in 2024. The Benham and Reeves Property Market Index Review*…
Read More
Commercial Agent Talk

Reliable Commercial Roofers in Middlesbrough for Quality Roofing Solutions

Any commercial building can only be very safe and last long when it has a very strong roof. With time, the roofing system may be weakened by nature due to weather, similarity in age and structural wear, thereby resulting in expensive repair if not corrected early. This is the reason why you need to employ…
Read More