Lord Freud to address NLA

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities

Lord Freud will speak at the National Landlords Association's (NLA) annual conference in October.

The conference, which will be held in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, will give landlords the opportunity to discuss the latest issues affecting the private-rented sector, question industry experts and learn about recent government policy.

Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform, will give the keynote address in light of recent housing benefit reforms and the introduction of Universal Credit.

The theme of this year's conference is 'Aspirational renting: Inspirational landlords'. It will consider how the private-rented sector can rise to the challenge of becoming the tenure of choice for tenants.

David Salusbury, NLA Chairman, said: “The NLA National Conference will provide an opportunity for landlords to explore how they can collectively enhance their professional standing and ensure that the private-rented sector can rise to the challenge of meeting the demand for good quality, affordable housing at a time of inadequate supply.

“By focussing on the impact that housing policies will have regionally, landlords will be able to gain a clearer understanding of the issues that are certain to have a bearing on their lettings business in the near future.”

Landlords will be invited to examine the outlook for the letting of private residential property in the UK by exploring the impact of devolved housing policies being implemented in England, Scotland and Wales.

The conference’s other confirmed speakers are:

- Professor Tony Crook – Emeritus Professor of Town & Regional Planning, University of Sheffield
- Richard Lambert – Chief Executive, National Landlords Association
- Tom Bloxham MBE – Chairman, Urban Splash
- Dr John Boyle – Head of Research, Retie & Co.
- Dr Sarah Monk – Deputy Director, Cambridge Centre for Housing Planning and Research

The conference will be followed by the NLA’s Property Women Awards Ceremony, presented by BBC journalist and broadcaster, Katie Derham. The awards recognise women who make an outstanding contribution to the private-rented sector and focus on best practice and excellence in the property market.