More than 50 social housing tenants bought their homes under the Right to Buy scheme last year, according to new figures from Wandsworth Council.

In April last year, ministers increased the maximum discount available for eligible tenants to £75,000, raising it from the £16,000 limit set prior to the 2010 general election.

These changes to the system have made it easier for families to get on the property ladder and, in the 12 months leading up to the end of March, 54 tenants purchased their council house.

This compares to just two cases during the previous year before the rules were relaxed, an increase of 2,600 per cent.

The scheme was given a further boost in last month's budget when the Chancellor announced he was making further changes to the scheme.

George Osborne declared that the maximum cash discount available for tenants in London would be immediately raised to £100,000 and that people would soon be permitted to purchase their home after three years instead of five.

Councillor Paul Ellis, the council's housing spokesman, said: "The Right to Buy has brought the ambition of home ownership to life for those who otherwise would not have been in a position to afford their own home.

"The scheme has always been about giving a helping hand to ordinary people who aspire to improve their lives.

"It has given them a greater stake in their communities and helped regenerate entire areas."

For more information about the scheme visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/homeownership