A government committee has raised concerns about the number of homes sold through Right To Buy that end up in the hands of private landlords. 

The Commons communities and local government select committee found that 40% of ex-council flats sold through Right To Buy are being rented out more expensively by private landlords. 

The findings came as the committee discussed the government’s proposal to extend Right to Buy discounts to housing association tenants. 

Clive Betts MP, chair of the communities and local government committee, said the committee found a number of “unresolved issues” with the government’s policy and these could have a detrimental effect on the provision of accessible and affordable housing, particularly affordable rented property.

The committee found that large numbers of homes sold through the statutory right to buy for council tenants have quickly become private sector rental properties.  

Its report stated that: “The committee believes the potential for selling social housing assets at a discount, only for them to become both more expensive and possibly lower quality housing in the private rented sector, is a significant concern. The committee recommends measures to restrict homes sold through the right to buy ending up in the private rented sector need to be explored.”