I am a resident in a house built by a housing association before 1997. I would love the opportunity to buy the house I now call home. However, the standing regulation prohibits residents from buying housing association houses built prior to 1997, barring me and many others from achieving this dream. This arbitrary cut-off year does not take into consideration the emotional ties and contributions we have made to these properties and communities over the years.

Statistics from the UK's Office for National Statistics show that home ownership brings with it a sense of security (2017 General Lifestyle Survey). Yet, we are denied this sense of security because of an outdated rule.

It's time for a change. Let's give residents who rent housing association properties built before 1997 the right to buy or acquire their homes. This change would not only bring fairness and security to long-term tenants but also stimulate the local economy, a fact supported by numerous housing market studies (Nationwide Housing Market Review, 2018).

This is more than just a law, this is about our futures — our homes. Let's change this outdated regulation. Sign this petition to give everyone the right to call their house truly their own.