Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith will make a major speech on welfare reform at the National Housing Federation's annual conference in Birmingham next week, it was confirmed today.

Mr Duncan Smith, who has proposed radical changes to the housing benefit system, will address hundreds of staff from across the affordable housing sector at the Federation’s conference, at the Birmingham ICC on Thursday 23 September.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps, Channel 4 News anchor Jon Snow and former chief secretary to the Treasury Michael Portillo are among the other high profile speakers who will address the three-day conference, between Wednesday-Friday, 22-24 September.

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The event has established itself as a 'must attend' event within the affordable housing sector and attracts hundreds of delegates from across the country.

The conference will examine the way in which the Government's policies will impact upon the work of housing associations and how the affordable housing sector can ensure its voice continues to be heard by decision-makers and opinion-formers.

Speaking ahead of the event, Federation Chief Executive David Orr said: "I am delighted that two such major figures from the Coalition Government have decided to address our annual conference.

"Their speeches will no doubt give delegates plenty of food for thought and should provide a fascinating insight into where affordable housing fits into the coalition government's priorities."

(CD/KMcA)