New proposal announced by Housing Minister Grant Shapps could see councils receiving more flexibility when it comes to providing housing for local communities.
Under the suggestions published for consultation, councils would be allowed more financial freedom to trade their assets and use receipts to improve existing housing as well as buying and building new properties.
The newly-tendered rules would allow local authorities greater discretion to use and improve council housing without having to seek permission from Ministers in every case.
According to Mr Shapps, these proposals come as a direct response from councils across the UK requesting that the current regulations and processes be streamlined.
Housing Minister Grant Shapps said: “If councils want to use their assets to improve the availability of housing for their local community, it is ridiculous that they are forced to ask a senior government minister for permission in every case. That’s why I am today proposing greater freedom for councils to enable the judicious sale of assets.”
