I have found myself in a challenging situation that seems to resonate with many others in our community. Currently living in a Wheatley home, I am facing the harsh reality of an inaccessible housing market. Mortgages are increasingly difficult to secure, and relocating to find a suitable home is equally daunting.

The 'Right to Buy' scheme, which was abolished in Scotland in 2016, provided an important avenue for council tenants like myself to purchase their homes under favourable conditions. Many of us had dreams of homeownership, intending to take those very first steps through this scheme. Buying a council home provided not just housing security, but a sense of stability and community belonging that is deeply missed now.

Before its abolition, the 'Right to Buy' initiative enabled numerous Scottish families to invest in a stable future, fostering personal growth and economic improvement. It contributed to the strength and sustainability of our communities by encouraging long-term residency.

However, the termination of this policy has left many tenants, including myself, feeling stuck and without options. Current housing schemes do not adequately address the needs of middle to low-income households, which are continuously priced out of the market. Reinstating this scheme, with updated criteria that meet today’s economic conditions, would provide immeasurable relief.

I urge the Scottish Government to reconsider the decision to abolish the 'Right to Buy'. By reintroducing a tailored version of this policy, more families could realise the dream of homeownership, easing their financial burdens and allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

Please lend your support to this cause by signing and sharing this petition. Let’s persuade the Scottish Government to revive a policy that benefits us all, ensuring that council home tenants have a fair opportunity to secure their future.