The deputy prime minister is set to reveal plans to curb the rights of council tenants to buy their properties.

The right-to-buy scheme, a flagship policy of Margaret Thatcher's government, is cited as a reason for the shortage of low-cost homes, making it difficult for workers in the public services to enter the property market.

The scheme has also faced problems as tenants buy their homes at a discounted price, only to sell them to a property company that sells them at a greater profit.

Forum Response: British Property Federation

Ian Fletcher, director of commercial and residential services at the British Property Federation, told ePolitix.com: "The only solution to the country's housing problems is to increase supply overall and reforms to right to buy are therefore not going to have a major impact on the problem.

"The deputy prime minister is right to be concerned that it might dominate his communities plan because of the political baggage that goes with the issue. However, compared to many of the other issues that will be covered in his plan it is relatively insignificant and we will be paying far more attention to what he has to say about planning, spending and standards."

Forum Response: Shelter

Ben Jackson, director of external affairs for shelter, said: "If these proposals to reform the Right to Buy are true, they will offer a glimmer of hope for the thousands of families desperate for somewhere decent to live. The Right to Buy is exacerbating a chronic shortage of affordable homes in many parts of the country, particularly in London and the South East where it is most severe with thousands of families experiencing the misery of homelessness.

"Shelter is not opposed to the scheme in principle, but we must see a proper review of the Right to Buy. As it currently stands it is a catastrophic waste of taxpayer's money. With one hand the Government is giving away billions of pounds along with the nation's stock of affordable housing. With the other it is having to spend billions onbuilding new affordable homes to replace those sold under the scheme.

"We must remember that reforming the Right to Buy will not end the housing crisis. Only a comprehensive national housing strategy will deliver the homes we so desperately need. We hope that John Prescott remembers this when he announces the new Communities Plan due later this month."