The long and the short of it

Regional Minister Rosie Winterton will be among more than 100 key decision-makers meeting in York this week to discuss the major housing and planning challenges facing Yorkshire and Humber.

The focus of the event on Thursday (November 27) will be housing obstacles and opportunities in the region, the Government's long and short term strategic issues, and the ongoing review of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) currently being undertaken by the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly.

Keynote speakers for the day include:

• Rosie Winterton MP, Regional Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber, on Government’s long term and short term issues;
• Peter Box, Chair, Yorkshire and Humber Assembly on the review of the Regional Spatial Strategy;
• Kris Hopkins, Chair, Regional Housing Board on the housing challenges facing the region;
• Hilary Chipping, Director of the Milton Keynes Partnership on the lessons this region can learn from experiences from others.

Peter Box, Chair of the Assembly, said the event, at the Park Inn Hotel, was an opportunity for delegates to contribute to the review of the RSS.

“We’re all aware housing is a key issue for all our communities and this event will give people the chance to hear and discuss what the challenges are and how we might address them,’’ he added.

Regional Minister Rosie Winterton said: “The Chancellor has this week presented a comprehensive package of measures which will support housing and regeneration, the economy, and individuals in these tough times. As Regional Minister I will be working with local government and regional agencies to maximise the opportunities that the additional resources made available in the pre-budget report will bring to Yorkshire and the Humber.”