Protecting built heritage: New inquiry to examine how to safeguard historic buildings and attractions

• Culture, Media and Sport Committee
• New inquiry: Protecting built heritage
• Submit evidence here

According to Historic England, the heritage sector, which encompasses sites includinghistoric attractions, shops, homes, pubs, theatres, community centres, town halls and libraries, contributed £44.9bn in GVA to the UK economy in 2022, while directly employing 201,000 workers and supporting more than 500,000 jobs across the economy.

Heritage organisations have warned however that both immediate and structural changes are needed to protect heritage assets from being sold off or closed to the public. According to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, 4,891 historic buildings and sites are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate change, with 155 added to the register this year.

With funding from local councils in decline, the inquiry will look at whether current finance models are suitable and accessible.  This will include examining how funding is distributed from some of the biggest providers, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.

It will also look at how the Government can tackle practical and regulatory challenges, such as the availability of skilled workers in the sector, the managed decline of assets on publicly-owned land, and policy issues arising from net zero targets and planning policy.

In addition, the inquiry will highlight the importance of built heritage for economic regeneration and community identities, as well as how those communities can be empowered to manage their local built heritage assets.

Chair comment

Chair of the CMS Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, said:

“Historic buildings are the centrepiece of many communities across the country and contribute hugely to the vibrancy of an area. Sadly our built heritage faces a range of threats, not just financial, but also from the burdensome restrictions which make their restoration and upkeep so costly and bureaucratic. The perilous state of old buildings on military property is illustrative of what can happen when historic assets on public land are subject to managed decline.

This inquiry will shine a light on the huge benefits historic sites bring and see what more can be done to break down the barriers to their preservation and ensure they can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Terms of reference

The Committee is inviting written submissions in response to the following questions:

1. What are the most significant challenges facing owners and operators of built heritage assets, and how are they affecting what those sites can offer?
   • What interventions are needed to prevent the managed decline of heritage assets on publicly-owned land?
   • What can the Government do to make it easier for communities or local businesses to take ownership of historic buildings?
2. How effective are the current funding and finance models for built heritage?
   • What should long-term public funding for the sector look like?
3. What role does built heritage play in the regeneration of local areas and in contributing to economic growth and community identity?
   • How can heritage buildings be supported to increase energy efficiency and contribute to the Government’s net zero targets?
4. What are the financial, regulatory and practical barriers to preserving built heritage?
   • What policy changes are needed to make restoring historic buildings easier and less expensive?
5. What policies would ensure the UK workforce has the right skills to maintain our heritage assets?

Further information

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Image: House of Commons