7221 Revision of the Managing local authority heritage assets guidance

Managing local authority heritage assets: some guiding principles for decision makers was published in 2003 by English Heritage, in partnership with DCMS and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (which held responsibility for local government at the time). Its purpose was to provide guidance to those who hold responsibility for the management and maintenance of local authority owned heritage assets. Since 2003 a lot has changed for local government. Budgets have been, and continue to be, squeezed following the introduction of austerity in 2010. In addition, changes to legislation have placed greater emphasis on the role of communities in shaping local places, principally through neighbourhood planning. As a result, the expectations on local authority owned heritage assets are very different now than they were when the Managing document was first published. In addition, there has been a concerted effort by successive governments to support greater ownership of assets by community groups (see the Disposal Consent Order 2003, and the Localism Act 2011). This has directly contributed to a number of heritage assets moving from local government ownership into community control and ownership (see Pillars of the Community). English Heritage/Historic England recently commissioned work to look at Asset Management Plans and their potential role in supporting the proper management, and where appropriate disposal, of locally owned heritage assets. That work is now completed and will play a central role in the updating of the Managing document. The new document should utilise the same case study based structure whilst capturing the broadly changed local authority landscape. Reflecting the increasing pressure on authorities to either dispose of local assets, and/or ensure that they are put to the most effective use.