ABSTRACT
A large number of the housing powers of local authorities can be operated through housing associations. Housing associations devote a considerable part of their effort to providing for old people. Dwellings provided by housing associations can benefit not only by the normal Exchequer subsidy but also from local authority ‘welfare grants’. Local authorities do not necessarily have to let the houses which they provide. Though most do in fact prefer to retain them in their own management some do, on occasion, sell them to owner-occupiers. One of the problems facing an owner-occupier is the risk which he bears of irregular and sometimes embarrassing repair costs. As the Ministry has stressed the crucial issue for local authorities who wish to sell council houses is the price which they should ask. Where there are long waiting lists for council houses there is virtually no choice: a family has to buy, or if that is beyond their means, has to take furnished rooms.
