The Times They Are A Changing

Ive recently moved house. I had previously lived in rented accommodation that was built by a housing association. They rent out houses cheaper than the commercial rates as they are a charity. Of course they make extra money from you as they fit subsidised green energy systems that are inefficient and costly to run etc, but that's another story...
   Ten years ago these houses were greatly sought after and there was a waiting list too. In fact when I filled out my application I was required to write a short piece about why I thought I was entitled to live in them. They are for local people solely. I was very surprised after I moved out upon hearing the housing association was having trouble finding anyone interested in renting my old house ! What has changed in the last 10 years then ?
  I know that renting has become stigmatised, as has any subsidised housing. People have become very proud. This kind of housing is now seen as a step down. Also I don't think many people can find jobs anymore around our village, and if they are thinking of settling down then they move nearer to a town of a reasonable size. Banks and services are in decline too...
   So who has moved in then ? Well as no local wanted our old house a foreign guy who works in the local pub has. Times really have changed. Once this would have caused an up roar but no one seems to care any more. The fact there was no one local who wanted to move in is a very bad sign. Things are in decline alright.
  The final twist though is that a few weeks after I moved out it seems the government has extended its " right to buy " policy to this kind of property even though it is run by a charity. This scheme was previously limited to government built houses. Tenants will be able to buy the house they have rented at a discount price and make a packet. I have missed this  scheme by weeks having moved out too soon. Maybe this is as well as I always took heart that these houses would one day help someone like I was looking for a cheap home to rent in a affluent area ( well affluent people have moved here ) Would I have sold out my beliefs ? Once these houses have gone for young people to rent cheap then I don't know what the future holds. The sad thing is that they don't even seem to be needed today anymore, so if they get sold off then maybe its not such a  great disaster