Brandon Lewis to speak at ARLA conference

Housing minister Brandon Lewis will speak at the Association of Residential Letting Agents annual conference on 12 April at ExCel London.

Housing minister Brandon Lewis will speak at the Association of Residential Letting Agents annual conference on 12 April at ExCel London.

Lewis will discuss issues in the lettings industry including agency fees, commissions, rent control and government priorities in the housing sector.

He will be joined by journalist and ex-cabinet minister Michael Portillo and entrepreneur Deborah Meaden who will speak on issues around policy and business success.

The Guardian’s personal finance editor Hilary Osbourne will discuss consumer issues such as property conditions and recent legislation while the director of campaigning body Generation Rent, Betsey Dillner, will talk on the future of rent control and fees.

Peter Savage, president of ARLA, said: "The conference is always received well with a great turn-out amongst members and leading industry figures, and this year looks to be no exception. We’ve already had a great response from members and industry figures alike and are looking forward to welcoming everyone on the day.

“Last year we saw Brandon Lewis join in the conference via video message, this year it’s great to be able to welcome him back as a keynote speaker, along with Deborah Meaden and Michael Portillo. With the confirmed lined-up, the conference looks set to cover a huge variety of issues surrounding the lettings industry for delegates to enjoy.

“Every year we hold our conference in a fantastic venue; but this is our first year at the ExCeL and we’re excited to be able to welcome more people through the door. With the help of our sponsors who have provided great support, we’re looking forward to welcoming more guests to listen to and participate in the key debates and conversations that take place and the opportunity for delegates to network and seek out new innovations, products and services in the market. However, with interest for this event rising year-on-year, we don’t expect tickets to be hanging around for too long so we do advise getting your tickets early.”