THE impact of the economic crisis on the future of affordable housing came under the spotlight at a major housing conference organised by Colchester-based Colne Housing Society.

THE impact of the economic crisis on the future of affordable housing came under the spotlight at a major housing conference organised by Colchester-based Colne Housing Society.

The conference, entitled “Affordable homes, the next 35 weeks, the next 35 years”, was held at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and brought together a panel of leading experts including academics, housing specialists and parliamentarians.

The panel was headed by Phyllis Starkey MP, chairman of the Select Committee for Communities and Local Government, and included Prof Michael Sherer, director of the Business School at the University of Essex, Helen Williams, assistant director of Neighbourhoods from the National Housing Federation, and Barbara McLellen, regulation account manager from the Tenant Services Authority.

Dr Starkey said: “The credit crunch has had a devastating effect on the supply of new market housing, but has had no effect on the numbers of households needing housing. There is a huge need for social housing and the government through the Homes and Community Agency must help housing associations to meet that need through new homes for rent and shared ownership.

“Colne has an excellent reputation. They are very well rooted within their community and are aware of local peoples' needs.”

Colne Housing owns and manages more than 2,000 affordable homes across Essex. It is also a part owner of Iceni Homes, a development company which is responsible for building homes on behalf of Colne Housing and other housing associations across East Anglia.

Colne Housing's chief executive, Mark Powell Davies, said: “Colne is a community based housing association that believes in putting its residents first.

“We are very aware of the need for more affordable homes, especially in the current difficult economic circumstances. Our conference concentrated on this need, and we are delighted that so many different people and organisations who we partner with were able to attend. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to deliver more quality homes across Essex.”

The event was hosted by BBC Look East presenter Stewart White.

The title of the conference reflected Colne's recent 35th anniversary celebrations. To mark the occasion one of the society's founders, Michael Siggs, launched his new book entitled 35 Years of Colne Housing- A personal Memoir, to reflect of the history of Colne and its achievements.