Huw Lewis AC/AM, has written to members of the Historic Environment Group (HEG) in Wales to notify them of the launch of the Historic Environment Strategy, as the IHBC’s President commended the paper for its ’forward looking and innovative approach’.
IHBC President Trefor Thorpe said: ‘This latest strategy from the Minister shows the tremendous potential possible when these key interests are covered by one portfolio. There is much to commend in its forward-looking and innovative approach to dealing with many of the issues faced within the historic environment today and in the future.’
‘Whether the Welsh Government is capable of delivering all of the imaginative and, in some cases, radical proposals will have to be seen but I feel sure the IHBC will want to actively and fully engage with the process as necessary in order to help reinvigorate the sector and see our heritage fulfill a wider and more relevant role in Wales.’
In a letter thanking the sector for its contributions to the debate and process, Huw Lewis, Y Gweinidog Tai, Adfywio a Threftadaeth, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, notes that many ‘issues raised would not require legislation to implement’ and highlights themes around partnership, youth, realism and aspirations’. He also raises the prospects of a ‘Welsh Heritage Alliance or a national building preservation trust’, and concludes by asking in particular to hear how ‘HEG representatives intend to engage with and respond to the strategy’.
Huw Lewis writes to the HEG as follows:
I wanted to provide you with a copy of my Historic Environment Strategy for Wales which I debated in the Senedd on 23 October.
I wanted you to have sight of the Strategy as soon as it becomes publicly available. I had hoped to discuss it with you in person at the HEG meeting on 5 November, however pressing constituency business means that I am unable to attend this time. I will however attend the February 2013 meeting.
The strategy outlines my aspirations for the historic environment sector. It also responds to comments and feedback so far from the public and the historic environment sector during extensive horizon scanning and scoping workshop consultations undertaken this year in preparation for the Heritage Bill and associated measures. The consultation workshops for the Bill uncovered a good number of expectations. Many of the issues raised would not require legislation to implement. The intention is that this strategy will sit alongside the Bill, complementing its proposed measures, but allowing implementation of some actions quickly, without waiting for legislation where that is not required.
The strategy will be supported by a number of more detailed thematic frameworks and plans, some of which are already in place – for example, I launched the Heritage and Arts Framework in the Senedd on 25 September – others are to be completed within the next twelve months.
I very much see the Heritage Bill, the Strategy and supporting activity frameworks as the three pillars which define the strategic focus of the Government’s approach to the historic environment. I want to see a move in direction and policy focus to a more people focused and contemporary mindset and I would apply this to policy, statutory functions, sites considered worthy of State care and public engagement. I want us to look at modern and realistic ways of supporting communities and communities of interest. I am also enthused by the prospect of involving young people in strategy development and interpreting sites.
Partnership working is key. I want all the key players actively involved and HEG’s role is vital to this strategy. The local authorities, the Welsh Archaeological Trusts, Welsh Government Sponsored Bodies and the Third Sector all have a role to play and we will be actively engaging with you all. I also want the potential for new support structures explored, which could include a Welsh Heritage Alliance or perhaps a national heritage preservation trust. Cadw will also continue to pursue synergy and close working with other Welsh Government departments, especially those currently planning their own legislation.
My officials in Cadw have consulted key strategic partners and colleagues across many portfolio areas in the Welsh Government and beyond. These consultations have been important and I am grateful to HEG and its constituent parts for its input – this has been most valuable. For example, the actions arising from the Skills Summit have been very useful in concentrating minds on the strategy and many of you have written with your thoughts and ideas more generally about the priorities for the historic environment. I have also enjoyed our discussions at HEG about the proposed Bill and the issues concerning the sector.
I would welcome knowing how HEG representatives intend to engage with and respond to the strategy. Once again I’d welcome your thoughts and I am sure you will have a good discussion on 5 November, which I have asked to be reported back to me.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support and enthusiasm and look forward continuing to work with you on these important issues.
Cadw writes of the Historic Environment Strategy:
The Strategy… sets out the role of the historic environment in delivering tangible social, economic and environmental benefits for Welsh communities and will lay the foundations for the Heritage Bill which is due to be introduced in 2014.??The historic environment is a vitally important sector of the Welsh economy, supporting over 30,000 jobs and contributing around £1.8 billion in output and £840 million to Wales’s national gross value added (GVA). There are 30,000 listed buildings, 4,000 scheduled ancient monuments and 3 World Heritage Sites. The Strategy aims to build on this strong base and further develop the economic role of heritage in Wales, as well as maximising the educational, training and leisure opportunities.
For background see: LINK
CADW Policy: LINK
