The Negotiator Conference & Expo 15

Opening the event was Brandon Lewis, Minister for Housing and Planning, who said he was delighted to return to talk to us for the second year running, having survived the General Election in between and managed to stay in post as Minister for Housing and Planning. “Housing featured more prominently in the last election campaign than in any other within living memory. We made it clear that increasing supply and home ownership would be a top priority… a fully functioning and efficient housing market is vital for meeting the aspirations of working people and raising the productivity of our country,” he said. The Minister went on to comment on the new Government schemes that have been launched since the election – the Build to Rent Fund; the £10billion Housing Guarantee Scheme; Help to Buy and the Help to Buy ISA. All popular moves with delegates. He emphasised the Government’s intention to support all tenures, saying, “So whoever you are and wherever you live, you can benefit from a home of your own, whether you buy or rent. “While the right to buy and starter homes may have secured the lion’s share of attention since the election, I can assure you…