The leader of the Liberal Democrats is trying to scupper an expansion to the government's Right to Buy scheme.
The South Lakes MP Tim Farron has been a long-time opponent of making it easier for people to purchase social housing.
He says council-owned homes are disappearing - particularly in rural areas - meaning local people can't find somewhere affordable to live in the place they grew up in.
Mr. Farron's tabled amendments to the Tory's Housing Bill - one opposes it altogether; the second says the government should pledge to replace social housing that is sold off under Right to Buy.
He said said: “The government’s ‘Right To Buy’ scheme is social engineering, pitting different parts of the community against each other and offering incentives to those who might vote Tory whilst ignoring the rest.
“Across South Lakeland, I meet people who simply cannot afford to bring up their family in the area they grew up in. Social housing not only gives these people a home, it also helps to ensure that our communities, particularly rural villages, remain diverse places and not just the preserve of the most wealthy.
“Many low income families which are on the social housing waiting list would see their chances of ever getting a home decrease as the stock of houses is sold off.
“Social Housing is about supporting all members of the community, which is why I am opposing the Conservative’s ‘Right To Buy’ plans which would rip the heart out of housing and lead to segregated communities.”