Right to buy applications are set to increase by almost 400 per cent from last year.

The scheme which enables Basildon Council tenants to buy their properties by taking advantage of discounts of up to £75,000 has seen a sharp rise in applications.

The scheme received 43 applications from April 2011 to March 2012 compared with 87 in less than six months from April this year to date.

If applications continue to flood in the estimated total for the year will be around 160, a 400 per cent increase on last year.

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Cllr Phil Turner, deputy leader of Basildon Council and cabinet member for housing and landlord services, said: "Ten years ago, Basildon Council sold over 200 homes under the Right to Buy scheme, but last year only 20 properties were purchased by tenants.

"The improved discounts have reinvigorated Right to Buy and enabled those people that may previously not have been able to get on the housing ladder to do so now. The upsurge in applications shows recent changes to increase the discount has encouraged more people to apply.

"Many people wish to own their own home, take responsibility for it and make changes to it when they wish.

"That is a good thing and is to be encouraged. Right to buy will create the opportunity for more people to do just that, while I believe it will also help build stronger communities at the heart of our borough.

"Another bonus is that the changes to the policy allow us to keep much more of the receipts and we plan to use them to provide new Council homes."

(CD/GK)