Propertymark has told Estate Agent Today that a fee paid to Angela Rayner to speak at an event was funded through conference revenue, not from membership or other sources.
A newspaper has reported that Rayner received £20,000 to speak at the Propertymark One conference last month.
This was the equivalent of £10,000 an hour for her two-hour appearance.
Propertymark has not denied the figure, preferring instead to tell Estate Agent Today: “It would not be appropriate for us to comment on the fees or commercial arrangements relating to individual speakers, as these are confidential matters between the parties involved.”
The payment is described in the newspaper as the joint highest of a number of fees she accepted from outside organisations between resigning as Housing Secretary in September last year, and returning to the same role in the Andy Burnham government just last week.
In total she received some £182,376 during the ‘gap year’ away from the Cabinet.
This includes the Propertymark payment and a similar £20,000 fee for a speech at Deutsche Bank.
A statement to Estate Agent Today by Propertymark chief executive Nathan Emerson says: “Propertymark One is a self-funded annual conference, with all costs met through a combination of delegate ticket sales, sponsorship and exhibition income from industry suppliers.
“As the event has grown in popularity and scale, it has enabled us to attract high-profile speakers who can provide delegates with valuable insight, challenge thinking and share perspectives on issues shaping the wider business and economic landscape.
“Like many major conferences, speaker fees form part of the investment in delivering a high-quality programme for attendees.
“Our members and delegates expect to hear from influential voices who can offer expertise beyond the property sector, alongside industry specialists.
“In this instance, Angela has played a significant role in decisions affecting the property sector and bringing her to Propertymark One created an important opportunity for our members and the wider industry to hear directly from her, ask questions and hold her to account on the issues that matter to them.
“The event also provided a valuable opportunity to establish and strengthen a direct dialogue with Angela and her ministerial colleagues.
“With Angela now reinstated as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government within Andy Burnham’s administration, creating this closer channel of communication enables us to maintain constructive engagement with key decision-makers, represent the interests of our members, provide insight from those working across the sector, and contribute to discussions that help shape policy outcomes for the benefit of the property industry and the wider sector.”
Propertymark has declined to give any details of fees of other speakers at the event.
This article is taken from Landlord Today