Commentary on Sections Part 6 Sections 203 –205: Disposals by housing action trusts
469.These sections carry over the changes made in respect of the Right to Buy in sections 185-188 to voluntary disposals by Housing Action Trusts of properties at a discount under section 79 of the Housing Act 1988.
470.Voluntary disposals by Housing Action Trusts can be made under section 79 of the Housing Act 1988, but require the Secretary of State's consent. Consent would not generally be given for disposals on terms more generous than the Right to Buy, but specific consent could be given to sell properties on more generous terms, however, if necessary or desirable in particular circumstances. Voluntary disposals by Housing Action Trusts are not common, but may become more frequent as the few remaining Trusts near the end of their work and need to find new owners for all their property.
471.Of the three remaining Housing Action Trusts, two will close in 2005 and the last will conclude its work by the end of 2007.