Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 1998. It was answered by Lord Stratford (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 1998 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to provide new resources to repair historical properties; and if he will make a statement on the recent English Heritage report on neglected historic properties. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to provide new resources to repair historic properties; and if he will make a statement on the recent English Heritage report on neglected historic properties. [44005] Mr. Banks: The majority of Government funding for the repair of historic properties is channelled through English Heritage (EH), which will receive £102.0 million in funding this year from my Department. EH plans to offer £34.5 million in conservation grants for 1998-99. This includes £2 million for a new fast track grants scheme for repairs needed to limit further deterioration, and a further £5.3 million for grants schemes under its new Buildings at Risk initiative. The Government welcomes EH's Register of Buildings at Risk, which highlights the most important historic buildings in need of repair. Combined with the new grants scheme, it marks the start of a new strategy to encourage best practice in the preservation of historic buildings, in accordance with the Government's "Planning and Policy guidance Note 15--planning and the historic environment".

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 313 c426W; 44005
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Conservation Central government Buildings Architecture Grants Historic buildings English Heritage Listed buildings Repairs and maintenance
Contains statistics: Yes