BOLTON sold off almost 3,000 council homes between 2000 and 2007 new figures show.

The numbers were released by the National Housing Federation, which says council ‘right to buy’ policies are adding to a housing crisis.

Across the North-west, more than 5,000 affordable homes were sold through right to buy last year alone — more than double the number of new homes that were provided.

Sallie Bridgen, National Housing Federation North West Regional Manager, said the success of right to buy meant more people were put on waiting lists because there were no longer enough affordable homes to go round.

She said: “The right to buy policy has unquestionably been a massive success for those who have been able to take advantage of massive discounts. But half a million people are currently stuck on waiting lists in the North West.

“House building has come to a standstill because of the credit crunch. With demand predicted to rocket again there will simply not be enough social homes available.

“To allow the affordable housing stock to recover we must consider suspending the right to buy for all new tenants in order to ease the North West housing crisis.”

The Federation is calling on ministers to consider introducing a temporary ban on new tenants buying their rented homes.