Local Stewardship of the Historic Environment: Opportunities and Challenges presented by the Heritage Protection White Paper
On 8th March 2007 Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, announced the publication of the Heritage Protection White Paper, “Heritage Protection for the 21st Century” (www.culture.gov.uk). A culmination of years of work and research by English Heritage and DCMS, this very important document is set to transform the way we protect and promote the historic environment. As with the reform of the planning system, the Government will look to local authorities to take the lead in facilitating change and many of the best are already rising to this challenge.
The development since 2004 of a network of Historic Environment Champions, to help place heritage at the heart of council agendas, is a key step towards realising the benefits of the heritage protection reform at a local level. Over 50% of authorities now have a Champion – almost exclusively at elected member level – ensuring there is leadership for heritage issues at a local level.
Conferences
In support of Historic Environment Champions, 4 conferences were held in July 2007 at:
10th JULY Leeds
12th JULY Bristol
17th JULY Birmingham
19th JULY London
The presentations from the sessions during each of the four conferences, and the draft programmes, are now available to download.
