Boris Johnson's right to buy shake-up means low earners can now use housing benefits to pay mortgages

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Brits who are on a low income will be able to use housing benefits to pay off their mortgage under the government's latest plan.

Boris Johnson is extending the right to buy scheme which will provide more people with a way onto the property ladder. The Prime Minister unveiled the plans during a speech in Blackpool today (June 9) which came after he survived the Tory MP's no confidence vote earlier this week.

Housing benefits, which cost the Government around £30 billion a year, cannot currently be declared as income or used towards a mortgage.

So now, instead of taxpayers' money going to private landlords or housing association, the new rules will allow lower-paid workers to put their benefits towards a mortgage. READ MORE: One of Greater Manchester's cheapest rental flats where there's not even enough room for a bed The right to buy scheme will also help tenants of social housing by giving them the opportunity to buy the home they live in at a discounted rate.