Communities and Local Government have announced that Dr Peter Williams will be taking up the position as interim Chair of the Board of the National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU).

Peter Williams brings a wealth of experience in housing and mortgage markets, is widely respected within the housing sector and has been a key member of the Board of the NHPAU since its creation. He will be taking over from Steve Nickell who, as Chair of the NHPAU, established the Unit as an authoritative and valuable source of independent, expert and evidence-based advice on housing requirements.

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Also announced is the extension of the Board appointments to the end of February 2011.

Mr Williams said: "Housing affordability and housing supply remain critical issues for our country both nationally and locally.

"Decisions on how many homes should be built, what type and where must be informed by clear and impartial evidence about what is required and the consequences of not meeting these needs for both households and the economy.

"This is the important job the NHPAU has been doing so well over the last three years under Steve Nickell's Chairmanship. I'm delighted to be succeeding him as Chair heading up a very focused board and executive team and working, in particular, with local authorities over the coming months, to help shape responses on this key issue. We need more homes and although some might disagree, current and future generations will not thank us if we step back from that task."

(CD/BMcC)