The National Housing Federation (NHF) has said that the government’s social Homebuy scheme is “unworkable” as ODPM figures revealed housing associations will be out of pocket 30 years after the sale of shares takes place. As part of the scheme up to 300,000 tenants will be allowed to buy at least a 50% share in the value of their home. Danny Friedman, the NHF’s director of policy, said: “At present these plans are unworkable and a real missed opportunity. The figures don’t stack up for residents, housing associations, lenders and ultimately the public purse.” Current proposals prevent housing associations from charging rent on the share of the home this is not owned by the purchasers. The NHF argue that some rent will have to be charged to make the scheme workable. (Guardian)