Matthew Taylor MP is to be proposed as the new chair of the National Housing Federation (NHF) at the organisation's AGM later this year.

Mr Taylor, author of last year's landmark Taylor Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing ('Living Working Countryside'), was the unanimous recommendation of a nominations panel led by Dame Mavis McDonald, a former permanent secretary to the Cabinet Office and ODPM.

Mr Taylor is best known for his official review of rural housing and economies. Most of his recommendations have already been accepted by Government, as well as winning cross-party support and the backing of all the major stakeholders, including the Federation.

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Mr Taylor was commissioned by the Prime Minister to write the report, and worked closely with the Housing Corporation, Homes and Communities Agency, and ministers and officials at CLG and the Planning Inspectorate.

He also worked with, and gained the support of, organisations ranging from the Campaign to Protect Rural England and Country Land and Business Association, to the Local Government Association.

The NHF board backed the nominations committee's recommendation this week, and Mr Taylor is expected to be confirmed as the new Federation chair during the trade body's AGM in September.

Mr Taylor will succeed Chair John Cross, who is stepping down from the role after three years.

(CD/KMcA)