One of the UK housing sector's most senior figures is to lead a new Commission on the Future for Housing in Northern Ireland. Lord Richard Best OBE will chair the Commission, which will hope to play a leading role in contributing to housing solutions in Northern Ireland over the next decade and beyond.

The Commission is being organised by leading housing bodies in Northern Ireland and will be facilitated by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), supported by its consultancy arm, ConsultCIH Limited. Organisations supporting the Commission include: the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, Co-ownership Housing, the Construction Employers Federation, and the Voluntary Sector Housing Policy Forum.

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The Commission is being created to drive cross-sector consensus on a long-term vision for the future of housing, which is critical for Northern Ireland's social and economic development. The Commission intends to capitalise on the growing benefits resulting from the devolution of power and the work of the Northern Ireland Executive, its departments and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Lord Best said: "I am delighted to accept the invitation to Chair the Commission on the Future for Housing in Northern Ireland. I have been struck by the progress made in housing policy and practice in recent years, particularly since the restoration of devolution, and by the level of partnership working across the housing sector.

"These provide excellent conditions for the work of the Commission, and I sincerely hope that the recommendations arising from the Commission will be of benefit to the Northern Ireland Executive and to relevant Ministers, as they take forward their important work to shape the future of Northern Ireland".

(CD/JM)