THE housing crisis is the subject of a meeting at Winchester University next week.

The university is bringing together high-profile experts from key parts of the housing industry - including residential house building, the built environment and policy making - to discuss the UK's housing crisis.

Tackling the Housing Crisis on Wednesday October 12 will be chaired by John Denham, former MP and now Professor of English Identity and Politics and director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics.

Prof Tony Curtis said: "Today's housing crisis is complex, with too few homes being built, many homes too expensive to buy, especially in London and the south east, social housing oversubscribed and the private rented sector costly and insecure.

"House building rates are inadequate, homelessness is up, people cannot always access mortgages and access to affordable housing is difficult. Rents in the private sector are unaffordable for many. Yet, a decent, affordable home is a basic right and fundamental to wellbeing. I anticipate a lively debate about possible solutions to this crisis amongst our expert panel and some tough questions from those people attending."

Prof Curtis convened the discussion panel which comprises Geoff French, chairman of the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership; Tony Pidgley, chairman of the Berkeley Group; Terrie Alafat, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing; and Wayne Hemingway, Principal of Hemingway Design and a Professor in the Built Environment Department of Northumbria University.

All four panel members will bring their different professional insights and perspectives to the discussion, and audience members have the opportunity to ask questions at the end.

The discussion is the first event in the Enterprise Lecture Series 2016/2017. The series was launched in 2003 and has become one of the highlights of the university's annual public engagement calendar, offering an opportunity to hear first-hand from inspiring people who are successful in their field and are making a real difference.

Tackling the Housing Crisis takes place at 6.30pm in The Stripe Auditorium, King Alfred Campus, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road.

The event is free to attend, but registration is essential.

Places may be booked by email at public.lectures@winchester.ac.uk, by telephone on 01962 827578 or online at www.winchester.ac.uk/housingcrisis