Many heritage sites in England, such as listed buildings and places of worship, need repairs worth more than £1bn according to a new report.



BBC News

January 15, 2007





The places in need of repair are both privately and charitably owned.



The report was compiled by the National Trust, English Heritage, Heritage Lottery Fund and the Historic Houses Association heritage organisations.



The report also says spending per head on heritage in England is less than in many other European countries.





Funding shortage



Anthea Case, chairman of Heritage Link which represents more than 80 voluntary heritage organisations, said many buildings were in danger of lasting deterioration.



"Over 17,000 buildings are at risk in England alone despite the money already committed to maintenance by private owners and public support," she said.



"But the Heritage Lottery Fund awards are down 15% in real terms over the last two years and English Heritage has seen its spending fall by £19.6m in real terms over the last five years.



"It means that actually unless we do something about them they will deteriorate often to a state which can't then be repaired.



"The key priorities that this reports sets out suggests that we need another £37m.



"[This] report seeks to remind ministers of the economic, social and educational benefits of maintaining the built heritage and sets out ways in which government can make a difference."