A FLAGSHIP housing conference will be held in the North Yorkshire town which has been its home for more than 25 years for the last time this month.

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) will move its annual gathering and exhibition from Harrogate to Manchester after staging this year’s event between June 21 and 23.

The institute said the decision was made to “refresh” the conference and allow it to better meet the needs of more than 6,000 professionals from the housing industry who attend each year, as it will cut costs and time away from work for delegates.

Sarah Webb, the CIH’s chief executive, said: “While Harrogate has provided a great home for many years, moving to Manchester will enable us to provide a better conference and exhibition, make the most of state-of-the-art facilities at the Manchester Central Convention Complex and provide improved access and accommodation for exhibitors, delegates and visitors.”