Protecting built heritage: MPs to examine funding models and planning system
The third evidence session of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s protecting built heritage inquiry will focus on funding models for heritage projects and the workings of the local planning system.
Meeting details
The first part of the session, with the heads of English Heritage, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Architectural Fund, will explore the effectiveness of current funding models in supporting the sector.
There are likely to be questions on the application process, how models could be structured to better support sustainability in the long term and what the impact of the current VAT regime is on historic buildings. MPs could also ask about workforce issues and ways to ensure the sector has the skills it needs, and how community ownership of heritage projects can be encouraged.
The Committee will then hear from representatives from local planning organisations about the operation of the planning system. The session could explore listed building consent and how heritage planning decisions are made, as well as the role of central government in supporting the work of protecting heritage assets and how changes to funding could better support built heritage.