<p>Communities secretary Eric Pickles is to make a "significant keynote speech on housing" at HBF's Policy Conference in London on March 25.</p> <p>DCLG has requested a speaking slot for the communities secretary for the speech which is expected to flesh out housing measures set to be announced in the Budget on March 19, just six days before the conference. The speech will also look ahead at the government's housing strategy.</p> <p>Pickles will replace housing minister Kris Hopkins who was originally due to address delegates.</p> <p>Shadow housing minister Emma Reynolds will also speak at the conference, as will Sir Michael Lyons who is chairing Labour's housing review.</p> <p>For full details of the conference, and to book a ticket ahead of the early booking deadline on February 21, go to <a href="http://www.house-builder.co.uk/">www.house-builder.co.uk</a></p>