Highlighting the crucial need to address issues surrounding rural housing, investment into rural housing is at the top of the agenda at a major Housing Corporation conference taking place on Wednesday 8 October at the London Hilton Metropole, Edgware Road.

The Corporation's Investing in Rural Futures Conference will provide an essential insight into the future direction and opportunities for affordable housing in rural areas.

Speakers at the conference will include: Minister for Housing Caroline Flint, Sir Bob Kerslake, Chief Executive Designate of the Homes and Communities Agency; and following the launch of his report calling for a fundamental shake-up of planning and affordable housing policy in rural areas, Matthew Taylor MP.

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Candy Atherton, Housing Corporation Board Member and Chair of the Rural Housing Advisory Group, said: "With 700,000 people now on waiting lists for affordable homes in rural England, providing affordable housing that meets the needs of England's broad spectrum of rural settlements is an essential priority for the Government as well as housing providers. The Housing Corporation has committed to increasing the number of homes we fund in rural areas through our 2008-11 investment programme.

"This conference provides a great opportunity for both rural partners and policy makers to be at the forefront of this agenda, and to explore how together we can ensure that we and our successor body, the Homes and Communities Agency, rise to the important delivery challenge that we face in our rural communities."

(CD/JM)