England’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has published a ‘One Year On’ 2018 update of its 2017 ‘Heritage Statement’, detailing Government’s vision and strategy for heritage and the historic environment.
DCMS writes:
The 2018 update to the Heritage Statement details Government’s continuing vision and strategy for heritage and the historic environment, whilst providing updates on the content of the 2017 edition. This ‘One Year On’ version provides an update on progress since the 2017 edition, and sets out how new funding and projects will work to better conserve and sustainable utilise heritage assets.
Michael Ellis, Minister of Arts, Heritage and Tourism, writes:
Heritage and culture are inextricably linked. Our country’s heritage is a rich and wide-ranging resource from which we can find inspiration, comfort, and ultimately a grounded sense of identity. From places of industry and trade, to places of music, leisure and worship, our nation’s heritage represents an important part of our national story…
Last year, we launched the first Heritage Statement, setting out our direction and priorities for heritage in the years ahead. It built on and supported the commitments we made in the 2016 Culture White Paper.
The Heritage Statement was created to link Government’s vision for heritage to our wider agendas and strategies. From industry to the environment; from regeneration to conservation; and from investment in placemaking to investment in skills, the statement is one of ambition for, and confidence in Britain. One that will help create a global, outward-looking Britain…
This year, I am delighted to be able to outline the progress we have made since the Heritage Statement was published in 2017. Since the Heritage Statement was published, the heritage sector has gone from strength to strength, and we in Government recognise our shared heritage is the inheritance of all UK subjects. It binds us together and reminds us that we are part of an ongoing story.
This update seeks to outline the progress we have made, and areas where we will seek to deliver further change over the months to come. My own constituency of Northampton North is rich in heritage, and I know first-hand the impact this sector has on jobs, growth and prosperity across our country. I will work hard to ensure that we continue to deliver against the plans as set out last year, and look for innovative solutions to allow the sector to grow and thrive in the future.
