The Scottish Conservatives criticized the move, calling it a "backwards step" that "wrecked the aspirations" of people wanting to own their own homes.
Sturgeon’s opposition to the policy was rooted in the preservation of public assets and the stability of communities:
The abolition of Right to Buy (RTB) was a multi-year process led by Sturgeon during her time as Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing, and Cities Strategy. nicola sturgeon right to buy
Sturgeon announced the final stage of abolition, arguing that the social sector could "no longer afford" to lose badly needed homes.
Organizations like Shelter Scotland and various housing associations welcomed the move, noting that it halted the "drain on supply". The Scottish Conservatives criticized the move, calling it
She believed ending the scheme allowed councils and housing associations to better plan and invest in their existing stock without the risk of it being sold off at a discount. ⚖️ Contrasting Perspectives
The scheme officially closed to all remaining social housing tenants in Scotland on July 31, 2016. 💡 Sturgeon’s Rationale 💡 Sturgeon’s Rationale Over 455
Over 455,000 properties were sold in Scotland under RTB since 1980. Sturgeon argued this significantly reduced the availability of homes for cheap rent.