Changes to the Right to Buy policy must not become "another layer of complex rules and regulations," the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations has announced.

The SFHA said the policy should be completely stopped, "in order to preserve much-needed social housing at a time when there is ever-growing demand for it".

It claims that the affordable rented sector in Scotland has lost around half a million properties to Right to Buy sales since its introduction in 1980, while the complex nature of the rules make it difficult for housing associations to administer and for tenants to understand.

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Chief executive Mary Taylor said: "We agree with the objectives of further restrictions to the Right to Buy, but we are concerned that any variations will simply add another layer to an already incredibly complex set of rules and regulations. Many of the Right to Buy rules in Scotland are extremely awkward to follow for those administering the scheme, and hard to understand for tenants. There is clear agreement in our sector, that although beneficial to some individuals, the Right to Buy has no place in an affordable rented sector that is striving to meet the growing housing needs of Scotland's population. The stark fact is that demand for rented accommodation is now far outstripping supply. We would urge all housing associations and co-operatives to support the option in the Scottish Government's consultation document to end all forms of the Right to Buy in Scotland."

(NE)