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New right-to-buy policy to be introduced by North Yorkshire Council

Thursday, 8 January 2026 07:28

By Joe Willis, Local Democracy Reporter

Tenants who meet the criteria are entitled to buy their home from the council.

North Yorkshire Council is set to introduce a unified right-to-buy policy after it inherited thousands of council homes from the former district and borough councils.

The authority is responsible for around 8,500 council houses, which were administered by Selby District Council, Harrogate Borough Council, and Richmondshire District Council before local government reorganisation in 2023.

Council chiefs say none of these authorities had a formal right-to-buy policy in place and a new framework is needed to ensure compliance with statutory obligations, promote fairness and transparency, and strengthen governance.

Imogen Downie, the council’s housing policy and strategy officer, said in a report to councillors:

“The policy addresses risks associated with inconsistent practices, supports the protection of rural housing stock, and provides clear procedural guidance for tenants and officers.

“Its adoption will harmonise processes following local government reorganisation and reinforce the council’s strategic priorities without introducing new financial or legal obligations beyond those already required by law.”

Under the scheme, tenants who meet the criteria are entitled to buy their home from the council at a price below the full market value.

The level of discount available depends on the length of time the tenant has held a public sector tenancy and whether the property is a house or a flat.

The new policy includes confirmation of the maximum discount cap of £24,000 for buyers in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Council officials say the new policy also addresses the cost floor rule, which prevents properties from being sold at a price lower than the cost of construction or major works undertaken within the last 30 years.

The new policy will be discussed by senior councillors and officers at a meeting of the community development directorate at a meeting next Wednesday.

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