Council tenants unable to take up their Right to Buy will have the support they need to become homeowners under plans announced by Housing Minister Brandon Lewis.

The Housing Minister announced that 42 councils will each receive a share of nearly £20 million to help tenants with the Right to Buy to buy their own home on the open market.

The Right to Buy Social Mobility Fund will particularly help those looking to move for work, to be nearer to family, or those whose properties are difficult to mortgage.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said: “The Right to Buy offers a helping hand to thousands of council tenants across the country to become homeowners – but some remain trapped in their own homes, unable to take up this opportunity.

“The Right to Buy Social Mobility Fund changes, and offers people the chance to get on the property ladder and buy a home that best suits their needs.”

Helping people onto the property ladder

Housebuilding, and supporting aspiring homeowners, are key parts of the government’s long-term economic plan.

The government reinvigorated the Right to Buy in 2012, increasing discounts so they currently stand at £77,000 outside of London and £102,700 in the capital.

Since then, more than 33,000 households have taken up their Right to Buy, with nearly £730 million in sales receipts being reinvested in affordable housebuilding.

Overall, council housing starts are at a 23-year high.