The State Opening of Parliament has taken place today (14 October 2019), with the Queen’s Speech outlining the government’s priorities on a variety of subjects. The main points of significance for the heritage sector are: There will be seven pieces of Brexit-related legislation, including measures to establish new …
Government Releases No Deal Brexit Preparedness Guidance
As 31 October (the date on which the Government has said it will leave the EU) approaches, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out his proposals for a deal with the EU. This comes with further guidance from Government on Brexit preparedness in the event …
Tourism Businesses Fear Closures Following Immigration Reforms
Recent research released by leading tourism trade association UKinbound and Canterbury Christ Church University shows that the Government’s proposed post-Brexit immigration reforms have the potential to severely destabilise the tourism industry in the UK, putting at risk an industry that contributes £145 billion (7.2% of UK …
Housing Secretary Announces Plans to Reform Planning System
The Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP has unveiled a new green standard for building homes, which the Government says: “will bring an environmental revolution to home building – tackling climate change while keeping household bills low.” The Future Homes Standard will see polluting fossil …
“Quiet Crisis”: Crumbling Infrastructure Poses Significant Risk to Museum Buildings and Collections
Museum Leaders have written an open letter to the Times that urges policy makers to recognise the “quiet crisis” facing museum infrastructure, outlining the threat that faces collections if more immediate action is not taken to invest in better protection. Museums suffering from cuts in …
Canal and River Trust Releases Heritage Report for 2017-2019
The Canal and River Trust [Alliance member] has produced its Heritage Report 2017-2019, which reflects retrospectively upon the heritage activity and performance of the organisation over the past two years. The report focuses on the actions taken by the organisation to care for the heritage of …
McConville Steps Down as CEO of The Greenwich Foundation
The Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College [Alliance member] has announced that Angela McConville will be stepping down as Chief Executive. Angela has been Chief Executive for nearly two years and oversaw the conservation of the Painted Hall and King William Undercroft, which …
AHF Announces First Transforming Places Through Heritage Grant Awards
The AHF (the Architectural Heritage Fund) [Alliance member] has announced the first grant awards through the Transforming Places Through Heritage fund, new funding from the Department of Culture, Digital, Media and Sport focused on reinvigorating England’s high streets and town centres. Grant awards of £527,980 …
Save Our Soils – CPRE’s new report shows how healthy soils are crucial to tackle the climate crisis
The thin layer of soil covering the earth’s surface is the difference between survival and extinction for most terrestrial life, but we’re taking soils for granted. Our ignorance about soil biology is profound. Soils have been abused and squandered throughout history. In our era (since …
New Film Uncovers Moving History of UK’s National Parks
Throughout this year Campaign for National Parks, the only independent national charity dedicated to all the National Parks in England and Wales, has been leading celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the legislation that created National Parks. This has included collecting personal histories from those incredible …
Landmark Trust Launches 50 Free Scheme 2019
The Landmark Trust [Alliance member] has just launched its 50 for Free scheme, which invites charities and non-profits to apply for free holidays in historic buildings for their beneficiaries. It’s the sixth year that the organisation has run the scheme and by now over 2,500 …
IoF Sets Out Eight Actions to Tackle Climate Emergency
The Institute of Fundraising (IoF) has set out a series of eight commitments to help address the climate emergency, published in the wake of mass campaigning from protest groups. These commitments were set out in a letter, from the IoF’s chief executive Peter Lewis, who said: …