possible legal challenges

April 16, 2015

Conservative plans as outlined in their manifesto, that  would force Housing Associations to sell off homes at a fraction of their value is ruffling a few feathers to say the least, infact it has been reported that there would be legal challenge against any such move.

It is still neck and neck at the top of the polls with only a point or two between Labour and Conservative, there is no certainty Conservatives would be leading the next government and  be in a position to implement such plans, if they are it will almost for sure be in a coalition so any  partner will need to agree.

Any plans to go ahead with the extension of the right to buy scheme to include housing associations would expect to come up against some strong opposition, according to a recent report Tony Stacey, chair of a group of 100 housing associations and chief executive of South Yorkshire Housing Association would “definitely” launch a challenge.

Other housing association chief executives have been  quoted as saying they “would be surprised” if a legal challenge did not happen.

This move by the Tories was reportedly criticised by both the Chartered Institute of Housing and the National Housing Federation, in addition Industry sources  say charity law would have to be changed to accommodate such a move as charities, including many housing associations, are generally prohibited from selling off their assets at below market value.

 

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.

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