Housing and policy experts are set to debate how the new government should tackle housing supply in an online conference later this month.

The Westminster Social Policy Forum is hosting the event on the morning of Thursday July 25, bringing together housing academics, think tanks, politicians and civil servants to discuss how best the Government can meet its pledge to deliver 1.5 million more homes over the next parliament.

A number of keynote speakers have been confirmed including:

• Joanna Key, director general for regeneration, housing and planning at the newly-renamed Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Rachael Williamson, head of policy and external affairs at the Chartered Institute of Housing
• Jonathan Webb, principal research fellow, Sheffield Hallam University.

Areas for discussion will include policy priorities, responding to economic challenges, developing the new build market and improving competition.

Tackling the shortfall in affordable and social housing, local plans and infrastructure and improving collaboration between central and local government will also be on the agenda.

Speakers and attendees will be reflecting on different routes to home ownership, including government-backed schemes and mortgage product developments.

Those wishing to sign up for the event can do so via the Forum’s website (westminsterforumprojects.co.uk) and Mortgage Strategy will be reporting any important news on the day.