A core heritage group for England, the Historic Environment Forum (HEF) – of which the IHBC is a member – is encouraging wide-ranging discussion and input into recently explored suggestions concerning possible future arrangements for heritage protection being more streamlined for low-investment economy.
Mike Brown, IHBC Chair said ‘Members will be aware of the disastrous collapse in conservation officer posts around the country and the harm this is causing to our heritage, particularly in those 20% of planning authorities with no discernible heritage provision. A number of sector bodies, including the IHBC has been chewing over with Historic England how the system could be reformed so as to maintain levels of protection while finding new ways of working.
‘We felt it important for the sector to lead in the formulation of reforms, rather than have them imposed on us. Some of those ideas have been tabled with the two government departments and a degree of traction has been found. The ideas have recently been discussed at workshops held in London and Birmingham and a strong and positive response has informed the debate. Now it’s your turn.’
We know not everyone will agree with every idea – that’s not the idea. What is needed is a level-headed SWOT analysis of them so that this can be incorporated into the likely reforms that will come from Whitehall. We might then find practical and worthwhile reforms that will ease demand, strengthen supply and help our heritage survive this crisis.’
‘We look forward to your contribution to the debate’.
