Around 80 representatives from Local Enterprise Partnerships, housing associations, local authorities and community partners will come together at a Housing and Economic Growth Summit at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds.
The event is a partnership between two west Suffolk councils, New Anglia LEP, Greater Cambridgeshire Greater Peterborough LEP and the National Housing Federation.
Businesses report that high house prices impact on growth and recruitment, whilst boosting the supply of homes puts money into the local economy and supports apprenticeships and training.
Claire Astbury, External Affairs Manager for the National Housing Federation said: “Housing associations are important partners, delivering new homes, training and community services which support the local economy. This summit is an opportunity to strengthen partnerships which can really make a difference to people across the East of England.”
Cllr Anne Gower, St Edmundsbury Borough Council Cabinet member for Housing said, “Strong, effective partnerships across the public and private sectors are key to delivering sustained, healthy, economic growth. Organisations in West Suffolk have a great track record of working together and I am delighted that we are hosting this event to assess the many opportunities and challenges that the future holds.”
Grahame Nix, Chief Executive of the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership, said: “Our LEP is focused on delivering sustainable economic growth both now and in the future. We understand the important role that housing has to play, and I am therefore looking forward to sharing ideas and strengthening our relationships with our local partners further at the event.”
Mark Jeffries, Vice Chairman of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership said: “Growing economies need places for their expanding workforce to live. The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership is encouraging the housing sector and local authorities towards the ambitious planning and supply of housing to help drive growth.”
The summit will be addressed by Grahame Nix, CEO Greater Cambridgeshire Greater Peterborough LEP, Mark Jeffries, Vice Chair, New Anglia LEP, John Bridge, CEO Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce and Cllr Anne Gower, Cabinet member for Housing at St Edmundsbury Borough Council.
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