Issue 48 AUG 25 web - Flipbook - Page 75
MPs to ask National Trust
how to better protect our
historic buildings
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee heard from the owners and operators of some of the UK’s
most cherished heritage sites as it held the first evidence session of its inquiry into protecting built heritage
on Tuesday, 17 June.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport estimates
that engagement with heritage sites annually delivers £8
billion of wider societal benefits and supports a varied
network of economies, including the housing sector.
However, with the heritage sector currently facing severe
financial pressures, there is a risk these sites will be left to
decay.
ages. Restoring damaged or dilapidated sites and the issues
around retrofitting could also be explored.
In summing up Alice Loxton said : I think that in heritage
in general—we all work in heritage—there is a massive
disconnect with the general public and knowing about
these things happening. Most people have probably never
heard of Historic Houses, and lots of the amazing charities
and lots of opportunities that happen all the time.
Although all the issues we have been talking about today,
about funding and everything are core issues, when I
mention social media, it is about publicity and telling the
story of what is going on all the time. That is an important
thing, and I think that can be a powerful, important tool
that we must be aware of.
In the first panel, MPs heard from heritage building
operators and those working in restoration as they explore
the motivations driving operators to take on heritage
projects, and question how funding and planning requirements impact smaller charities and operators.
MPs then heard from representatives of the National
Trust and Historic Houses as they examine sector-wide
challenges, including financial pressures and skills short-
Download the full discussion at https://committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence/16114/pdf/
• Main Contracting
• Fine Conservation
• Specialist Roofing
• Lead and Zinc Metalwork
• Passive Fire Protection
Creating and caring
for our built heritage
www.messengerbcr.co.uk
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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