Built Environment Forum Scotland today notified its members that the process for the dissolution of HEACS – Scotland’s outgoing historic environment advisory group – has commenced today (29 May) with the introduction of the Public Services Reform Bill to Parliament. The policy memorandum gives the rationale for dissolution, which centred on duplication. Para 57 notes:
‘The key driver behind dissolution of HEACS is duplication. Historic Scotland is responsible for providing expert advice to Ministers on the historic environment and in recent years has increased both its capacity to deal with policy analysis and its degree of consultation and engagement with stakeholders. This has enabled the Scottish Historic Environment Policy programme to progress. As such, in today’s landscape, Ministers do not need an Advisory Council as well as a dedicated Agency to provide expert advice on Scotland’s historic environment.’
