Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister, has expressed intentions to prevent the sale of new council homes in England through the Right to Buy scheme.

Speaking to the BBC, Rayner emphasized the need to retain social housing stock to tackle what she describes as a 'homelessness crisis.' Introduced in 1980 under Margaret Thatcher, Right to Buy has enabled social housing tenants to purchase their homes at discounts, contributing to over two million sales.

While initially praised for increasing home ownership, critics now cite it as a factor in rising homelessness.

In response, Labour plans to reduce the purchase discounts, while also proposing the largest social home building initiative since World War Two.

Rayner announced £10 million to aid rough sleepers this winter, with overall homelessness funding reaching nearly £1 billion by 2025-26.

The government will consult on Right to Buy restrictions later this year, having already adjusted the scheme to allow councils full retention of sales proceeds.

The initiative comes as homelessness figures soar, with 4,780 individuals observed sleeping rough in London from June to September.

During a visit to a south London hostel, Rayner met former rough sleepers, including Stephen Richards, 58, who faced homelessness due to familial conflicts and high rental costs.

Charity leaders, like St Mungo's CEO Emma Haddad, endorse Rayner's approach, particularly plans to abolish Section 21 evictions via the Renters' Rights Bill, targeting involuntary tenant removals.

This policy is viewed as pivotal, given its significant role in homelessness numbers.

The government aims to foster cross-departmental collaboration in addressing these urgent housing challenges.