The Heritage Alliance (THA) has published ‘Backing the Bedrock 2025’, its new report update on Heritage Fiscal and Funding priorities.
THA writes:
Heritage is one of our greatest national assets and an integral part of what makes Britain special. It tells our nation’s stories, supporting social cohesion, pride in place, learning, and identity. It is key to our understanding of long-term sustainability and a fundamental part of our transition to net zero. As a major part of, and contributor to, our economy and our environment, heritage underpins the success of multiple other sectors, from construction and tourism to the creative industries.
Heritage delivers exceptional value for public investment, generating £1.93 in the wider economy for every £1 of direct GVA. For every job in the heritage sector, another 2.6 additional workers are supported. While most heritage assets are sustained by private investment and earned income, targeted public intervention is essential where market failure threatens nationally significant assets and public benefits. A mixture of funding, fiscal and regulatory measures are therefore important to support our sector to thrive.
While the heritage sector demonstrates remarkable resilience through diversified funding models – combining private investment, earned income, philanthropy, and targeted public support – critical market failures threaten assets of national significance. DCMS support is down 18% and local authority spending has plummeted 43% since 2010 (4) – leaving 81% of organisations significantly concerned about financial survival. Without immediate and sustained intervention, vital cultural
and community anchors risk permanent closure, reduced access, and discontinued outreach programmes, despite 79% of people identifying local heritage as a key factor in making their area a good place to live.
We call for urgent measures to safeguard key assets at risk of being lost to the public, as well as a longer-term conversation about how to address structural challenges and unlock potential for growth and regeneration in every corner of the country. An investment in the future of our historic environment is an investment in our country’s future prosperity, and in the public who use and value it.
