Caroline Flint, Minister of Housing and Planning, will open the UK's largest and most influential housing conference on 17 June 2008, at a time when economic uncertainty makes the work of professionals in affordable housing more important than ever.

There are fears that rising building costs, increasing interest rates and lack of available land will impact on the number of affordable homes built. At the same time vulnerable households facing rising mortgage costs and the threat of repossession could be joining the waiting lists for social housing. The conference will provide an arena to examine all these issues and explore some solutions.


Sarah Webb, CIH Chief Executive said: "This year's CIH annual conference and exhibition takes place at a time of economic pressure on homeowners, tenants and housing providers alike. The work of housing professionals, whether delivering new affordable homes to ever higher standards or supporting existing residents and improving their communities has never been more important or more needed."

(CD/JM)