LEADING figures from the housing sector will take centre stage at a major conference in Colchester next week on the future of social housing.Organised by Essex housing association Colne Housing, which this year celebrates 35 years in the industry, the conference brings together national figures in housing and local experts to discuss the growing importance and expanding future of social housing over the next three decades.

LEADING figures from the housing sector will take centre stage at a major conference in Colchester next week on the future of social housing.

Organised by Essex housing association Colne Housing, which this year celebrates 35 years in the industry, the conference brings together national figures in housing and local experts to discuss the growing importance and expanding future of social housing over the next three decades.

Speakers include a range of academics and social housing specialists including Dr Phyllis Starkey MP, chair of the Select Committee for Communities and Local Government, Professor Michael Sherer, director of the Essex University Business School, Helen Williams, assistant director of neighbourhoods from the National Housing Federation, Neil Kelly from the Homes & Communities Agency and Deborah Illot, an advisor from the Tenant Services Authority.

Hosted by BBC Look East presenter Stewart White, the conference entitled 'Affordable Housing, the next 35 weeks, the next 35 years' takes place on Friday, March 6, at the Colchester United Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Among the specially invited guests will be many of Colne's partners and stakeholders together with local builders and contractors who have helped drive the success of Colne Housing over the past 35 years.

Chief executive Mark Powell Davies said: “We are very proud of our achievements at Colne Housing. We have seen many changes in the housing market over the years and now we want to ensure that we are ready for the future so we can have another successful 35 years.”