Purpose

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.

Decision

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.

Reasons for the decision

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.

Alternative options considered

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.