Category Archives: Sector NewsBlog

The 2021 Countryside Stewardship scheme is now open with guidance on the scheme rules and how to apply. image: Open Government Licence v3.0

Fifteen panellists drawn from across the culture, heritage, media and voluntary sectors have been appointed to the London mayor’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, which aims to create greater diversity in statues, street names, building names and memorials.

As part of its work implementing the Roadmap to Recovery Plan, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has given its backing to a National Retrofit Strategy, with consultation closing 1 March 2021.

Climate Beacons for COP26 is a Scotland-wide collaborative project between climate change or environmental organisations and arts, heritage or cultural organisations to stimulate long-term public engagement in the lead-up to and following COP26, with Expressions of Interest (EoI) due by … Continue reading →

Hammersmith Bridge has been illuminated bright red in a Valentine’s Day stunt aimed at highlighting ongoing delays to its repair, as the 133-year-old west London bridge has been closed to traffic since April 2019 when cracks appeared in its pedestals.

Commissioned as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zones (HAZ) Cultural Programme, led by Historic England (HE), ten new films created by contemporary filmmakers in collaboration with young creatives, exploring what the future of the high street could be, … Continue reading →

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has launched virtual CSCS cards and a new app. image: CM website

The National Churches Trust Budget Representation 2021has been issued: Making the financial case for the social value of church buildings.

Welsh Minister for Housing and Local Government Julie James has made a written statement concerning second homes in Wales, indicating ‘commitment to a range of policy initiatives’.

A new £10M fund from Defra and others will provide grants of up to £100,000 to environmental groups, local authorities, businesses & other organisations. image: Open Government Licence v3.0

A discussion paper from The Scottish Land Commission (SLC) proposes three new legislative measures to modernise land ownership in Scotland and to support a dynamic and productive economy by addressing the adverse effects of Scotland’s unusually concentrated land ownership.

Celebrating the world’s greatest brick architecture and craftsmanship, the Brick Development Association (BDA) is hosting a call for free entries to the Brick Awards 2021, with categories including Urban regeneration, Refurbishment, Innovations, and Craftsmanship, and closing 14 May.

Sarah Healey CB of England’s Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) has written to ask members for ‘help in identifying candidates from within your sector for consideration to be recognised amongst the 2022 New Year Honours’, with nominations … Continue reading →

A petition from Molly Scott Cato – the Green Party’s finance spokesperson – on the Downing Street website calls on the government to remove VAT on refurbishment projects and raise VAT on non-Passivhaus new-build construction to 20 per cent, with … Continue reading →

Government proposals to extend so-called permitted development rights, which will allow more premises to bypass normal planning procedures and be turned into homes, need greater safeguards to protect communities according to Construction Industry Council (CIC). image: for illustration purposes only … Continue reading →

Historic England (HE) has launched a podcast series and accompanying ebook called ‘High Street Tales’, the first outcomes of a four-year-long national Cultural Programme (2020-24) led by Historic England in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council … Continue reading →

Applications are open for National Lottery (NL) Grants for Heritage from £3,000 up to £5million, while the Heritage Fund will prioritise projects that contribute to recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Applications have opened today to help shape the COP26 venue in Glasgow ahead of the crucial climate change talks later this year, with the call for Expressions of Interest closing on 5 March.

England’s Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has announced allocation of initial £700,000 funding (now increased to £1.5 million) that will support projects which involve a county-wide approach to developing or improving local heritage lists.

The Theatres Trust has published the 2021 Theatres at Risk Register, with 31 theatres, while highlighting an ‘emerging trend during the pandemic where vacant theatre buildings are sold off by private owners.’ image: Theatres Trust website

The Climate Heritage Network (CHN) – the international network of which the IHBC is a member – has issued a call for volunteers ‘to help plan an event at the 2021 pre-COP’, based in Milan from 30 September, with a … Continue reading →

England’s Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a consultation on revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), in light of the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission ‘Living with Beauty’ report, with expressions of interest (EOIs) … Continue reading →

The Natural Stone Specialist (NSS) is offering free access during the Covid-19 pandemic, with current content ranging from a double height Portland limestone staircase to a revised landscaping standard.

England’s Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has issued its response to the Commission’s ‘Living with Beauty’ report, on how to promote and increase the use of high-quality design for new build homes and neighbourhoods, and including a … Continue reading →

Church and chapel buildings in Northern Ireland are to benefit from £250,000 of funding thanks to a grant awarded to the National Churches Trust from the Department for Communities. image: NCT website