Wales’ Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths has announced that its Royal Commission, RCAHMW is not to be merged with Cadw, its heritage department, for now, which ‘avoids the financial costs, organisational risks and disruption to the sector at a time when public resources are scarce’, in a move welcomed by the IHBC.
IHBC President Trefor Thorpe said: ‘The Institute very much welcomes the way in which the Minister has listened to stakeholders and their substantive concerns over the planned merger between the Royal Commission and Cadw, where unfortunately the initial business case was not clear, the benefits unsubstantiated and the rationale did not appear to take account of the different approach and role of the two organisations.’
‘The ‘wait and see’ approach adopted by the Minister gives proper breathing space for a fuller consideration of the impacts on service delivery and users, while also allowing for a more thorough analysis of the options and other approaches from Scotland and England to be properly assessed in the light of Wales’ particular needs.’
‘The IHBC looks forward to being part of this process by ensuring that our members’ needs are taken account of when determining the future of the relationship between the organisations.’
In addition to the announcement, the Minster announced ‘the establishment of regular strategic plans for the historic environment and for the establishment of an independent advisory panel.’
The Wales Government writes:
The Minister’s announcement followed the publication of the response to the Welsh Government’s consultation, The future of our past.
John Griffiths said: ‘I was delighted with the level of response to the consultation which demonstrates the importance of the historic environment to the people of Wales. In most cases the consultation responses confirmed our approach to delivering a well-protected and accessible historic environment. There was strong support to extend protection where needed, to increase flexibility and improve accountability and transparency. Improved guidance was also seen as important as the proposed changes to legislation.’
‘I have asked officials to develop proposals for the establishment of regular strategic plans for the historic environment and for the establishment of an independent advisory panel. Both the plans and panel will support a strong overarching strategic framework within which Cadw can continue to provide leadership for the historic environment sector at a national level and use its sponsorship relationship with the Commission to promote and reinforce mutual priorities.’
‘The consultation response to the proposals to merge Cadw and the Royal Commission was mixed and having carefully considered these views, in addition to the evidence and analysis undertaken by my officials, I’ve decided that both organisations will remain separate for the time being.’
‘This avoids the financial costs, organisational risks and disruption to the sector at a time when public resources are scarce.’
Work, that will include discussions with key interest groups, will now begin on developing the proposals contained in the consultation document over the next year, prior to introducing legislation on the historic environment to the National Assembly in 2015.
The consultation received responses from 177 individuals and organisations and helpful views were also expressed at two stakeholder workshops.
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