Decision details

To approve the implementation of the new Right to Buy Policy for North Yorkshire Council, designed to ensure compliance with national consumer standards, provide clarity and fairness for tenants, and establish a consistent approach across the newly reorganised local authority.

To approve the adoption of the Right to Buy Policy as set out in Appendix A of the report presented to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing on the 14th January 2026. Authority is delegated to the Corporate Director for Community Development to make minor amendments to the policy in response to legislative changes or operational requirements.

The decision to adopt the Right to Buy Policy was made to ensure North Yorkshire Council complies with its statutory obligations under the Housing Act 1985 and associated regulations, while implementing recent legislative changes such as the Housing (Right to Buy) (Limits on Discount) (England) Order 2024. Introducing a unified policy harmonises practices across the County following Local Government Reorganisation, providing a consistent, transparent and legally compliant framework for administering the scheme. This approach mitigates governance and financial risks associated with inconsistent practices, safeguards rural housing stock and promotes fairness and clarity for tenants and staff.

Continuing without a formal Right to Buy Policy and relying solely on statutory requirements was rejected as it would perpetuate inconsistent practices across the County, limit transparency for tenants and expose the Council to governance and compliance risks. The preferred option was to introduce a comprehensive, unified Right to Buy Policy.