Housing is a key priority for councils and with reform of housing finance currently on the agenda now is an opportune time to consider how local authorities will secure investment for the future. The Local Government Group has long called for reform of housing finance. We have argued that receipts and rents should be retained locally so they can be spent locally, that housing needs to be properly funded to ensure long-term investment, and that financial self-determination should be in place to allow investment in housing and the local economy. But what picture is emerging as reform takes shape and how certain are we that we can achieve the investment we need to let us look to the future with confidence? This session will explore what reform means for councils and consider what is needed to secure the resources needed to fund the delivery of new stock. Speakers: Cllr Jonathan Glanz, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, Westminster City Council Cllr Tony Newman, London Borough of Croydon Sukvinder Kalsi, Birmingham City Council Chair: Cllr Mike Haines, Teignbridge DC

1. Fair and flexible finance for new homes LGA Conference, 29 th June 2011 Cllr Jonathan Glanz Cabinet Member for Housing and Corporate Property Westminster City Council