Tuesday 6 January,
10am, Grimond Room, Portcullis House
The Culture, Media and Sport
Committee hears from Historic England and
Government departments as part of its inquiry examining the
importance of built heritage in the UK and the barriers to its
preservation.
As the Government's statutory adviser on all matters relating to
the historic environment in England, Historic England manages the
National Heritage List for England, advises on planning and
listed building consent, and provides grants to reduce heritage
at risk. It also works with local authorities, developers and
communities to support heritage and assets.
In the first part of the hearing, co-chief executive officer Emma
Squire and director of policy and evidence Ian Morrison are
likely to face questions on the effectiveness of the organisation
and whether changes to funding models and the listed building
consent process could benefit the sector.
In its written evidence, Historic
England outlined how many heritage operators are struggling
financially and MPs are likely to want to explore the
effectiveness of the organisation's initiatives aimed at
supporting the sector. There could also be questions about its
approach to the challenges posed by climate change and skills
shortages.
The second panel will feature officials from the Ministry of
Defence, Ministry of Justice and the Cabinet Office as the
Committee turns its attention the current condition of the
Government estate and how it is being protected.
Several submissions to the inquiry have highlighted the growing
challenges of maintaining heritage assets on public land, with
Historic England suggesting that the Government should develop
and monitor new strategies to care for historic sites.
Questions are likely on how government departments manage sites,
funding for conservation and maintenance, and how preservation is
balanced with operational needs.
Witnesses
Panel 1 at 10am:
-
Emma Squire CBE, Co-Chief Executive Officer,
Historic England
-
Ian Morrison OBE, Director of Policy and
Evidence, Historic England
Panel 2 at 11am:
-
Mark Bourgeois, Chief Executive, Government
Property Agency, Cabinet Office
-
Richard McSeveney, Chief Property Officer,
Ministry of Justice
-
Maj Gen Andy Sturrock, Director of Strategy
and Plans, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Ministry of
Defence
