The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has awarded honorary membership to Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation, Michael Coogan, Director General of the Council of Mortgage Lenders and John O’Connor, Chief Executive of the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency in Dublin.

Rt Hon Sir George Young Bt MP, himself a CIH honorary member, presented the awards at the CIH Presidential Dinner on 9th February 2011 at the Natural History Museum in London.

Earlier in the same evening, Michael Finneran, Minister for Housing and Local Services in the Republic of Ireland presented honorary CIH membership to John O'Connor, Chief Executive of the new Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency in Dublin.


CIH President Paddy Gray said: "I am absolutely delighted that CIH is awarding honorary CIH membership to three very distinguished members of the housing community. Stewart Baseley, Michael Coogan and John O’Connor are influential figures and have all made significant and valued contributions to the housing sector.

"CIH represents people involved in housing across the UK and in a growing number of countries around the world. We take pride in being able to recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to all spheres of the housing sector through the award of honorary CIH membership."

Steward Baseley said: "CIH has a vital role to play in helping to address the housing crisis this country faces and increasing housing supply. Its lobbying at Government level will be essential if policies are to be shaped such that they allow its thousands of housing professional members striving to build and improve communities to succeed. I am extremely proud to be made an honorary member of CIH and will do all I can to help achieve the many mutual objectives it shares with HBF."

(CD)