The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has today confirmed it will receive a 5% real terms cut to its funding. The Secretary of State has said this is an excellent settlement in the context of the Spending Review. Historic England, an Arm’s Length Body of DCMS, will receive a cut of approximately £2.2m to its baseline by 2020, representing approximately 10% in real terms over the four financial years from 2016/17.
Responding to this news, Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said:
"The government has recognised the significance of Historic England’s role in caring for our spectacular historic environment, and we are grateful for this. We fully appreciate that we have been given some protection in comparison to many other public sector bodies.
We can’t afford to lose the momentum that the launch of Historic England has created. A ten per cent cut is not an insignificant challenge, and other aspects of today’s news will create further challenges for us as we care for the historic environment during a time of change. But public recognition and support for our mission is high, and we intend to press on with vital initiatives to increase our impact.
This settlement will enable us to support the English Heritage Trust during its first years of operation, while it becomes financially self-sufficient. This is very welcome news.
We will also ensure, for the future, that the immense value of heritage is fully recognised in the national growth and renewal agenda. With our many partners and supporters, we will ensure that the buildings and places we all care about play their part in England’s future."
