“While this funding is a positive step for local authorities, alongside other recent investments in culture and heritage, it is vital that councils have the long-term, sustainable funding to protect and unlock the value of heritage sites for their communities.”
Responding to the Government’s heritage preservation campaign, announced today, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said:
“We are pleased that the Government has recognised the importance of local heritage.
“Preserving heritage sites – war memorials, ancient castles and houses - contributes to local priorities by boosting economies, attracting visitors, developing workforce skills and fostering community cohesion.
“They also play an important role in the regeneration of our town centers and high streets, which councils across the country are leading on.
“While this funding is a positive step for local authorities, alongside other recent investments in culture and heritage, it is vital that councils have the long-term, sustainable funding to protect and unlock the value of heritage sites for their communities.”
“The Government must therefore use the forthcoming Budget to simplify the funding for local government; allowing councils to develop ambitious plans that maximise the impact of the money available.”
Notes
- Councils are responsible for protecting a wide range of historic buildings, from war memorials and pillboxes, to ancient castles and houses.
- The LGA’s annual culture and tourism conference 2020 will focus on ‘Making the most of your heritage assets’, and will explore best practice across councils in protecting and promoting both tangible and intangible heritage. It will take place in Portsmouth and include tours of the historic dockyard.
- The LGA’s culture hub, developed in partnership with Arts Council England, features examples of how councils are continuing to invest in heritage, including the role of Heritage Champions.
- The LGA’s sector-led improvement offer is the approach to improvement put in place by local authorities and the LGA alongside the abolition of the previous national performance framework.