IHBC Wales Branch Chair Richard Dean has welcomed the Welsh Government’s Committee Inquiry into historic environment and conservation policy, as its sets the foundation for a planned heritage bill in 2014-15.
Richard Dean said: ‘We’ve been working closely with the government on shaping the priorities for the Bill, including jointly leading a very successful workshop last April. So we’re delighted that this inquiry can help ensure that any legislation, as well as its underpinning policy and guidance, will be relevant, proportionate and appropriate to Wales in the 21st century, and help address the unique challenges we face.’
‘The Inquiry covers both current issues for our sector as well as key players, such as local authorities and voluntary interests. And as it ties conservation and management to wider government objectives, including regeneration and the economy, it has pinpointed the right direction.’
The Inquiry into the Welsh Government’s historic environment policy and legislation will be considered by the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee.
The Welsh Government says:
In 2014-15, the Welsh Government intends to introduce a Heritage Bill. As such, it is currently consulting with stakeholders with a view to introducing a Historic Environment Strategy in the autumn of 2012. This is likely to form a basis for further appraisals and consultations leading up to the Bill’s introduction.
The Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage has also set up a working group to look at how the functions of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales could be merged with the functions of other organisations, including Cadw. The group is due to report by July 2012.
The purpose of this inquiry therefore is to provide the Committee with an opportunity to feed into the two above processes and to make recommendations as necessary. The Committee intends to focus specifically on the overall policy direction and strategic priorities of the Welsh Government in this regard.
Consultation Questions
1. How appropriate and successful are the current systems employed by the Welsh Government for protecting and managing the historic environment in Wales?
2. How well do the Welsh Government’s policies promote the historic environment in Wales (for instance, in terms of interpretation, accessibility, attracting new audiences and tourism)?
3. How well do the policies for the historic environment tie in with wider Welsh Government policy objectives (such as the regeneration of communities)?
4. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of merging the functions of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales with the functions of other organisations, including Cadw?
5. What role do local authorities and third sector organisations play in implementing the Welsh Government’s historic environment policy and what support do they receive in this respect?
National Assembly for Wales: LINK
