DCMS has published its 2016-17 Annual Report and Accounts. The document provides a comprehensive account of DCMS’ use of resources and information about activities.
On the objective to ‘Promote understanding of, and access to, the historic environment so that people can appreciate and enjoy heritage assets’ DCMS list achievements including:
- Developed the Great Place Scheme in collaboration with the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England, which launched in April 2016. The £20 million pilot scheme will fund projects in areas where there is a commitment to embed arts, culture and heritage in local plans, strengthening communities and the local economy.
- Historic England launched a Heritage Action Zones programme, awarding special status to ten areas across England to unlock their rich but as yet uncelebrated heritage. The scheme will kick-start regeneration and tourism in these areas and foster economic growth.
- Designated 1,145 listed buildings – including 904 war memorials, 21 scheduled monuments and four restricted areas (around wreck sites).
- At the annual World Heritage Committee in July 2016, Gorham’s Cave Complex in Gibraltar was the UK’s 30th site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Commissioned a review examining how church buildings and cathedrals in England can become more financially sustainable.
- In addition to grants of £31 million made for the Listed Places of Worship Grants scheme, completed the final phases of the £55 million Listed Places of Worship Roof Fund. 401 places of worship benefited from grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 to address urgent roof repairs.
- Agreed to fund the £20 million extension to the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund, funding given to 47 Church of England and Catholic cathedrals in England for urgent repair work, including keeping the building weathertight, safe and open to the public.
- Committed £7.2 million of funding for the most urgent and essential repairs to Wentworth Woodhouse, a house of national importance currently on the Heritage at Risk Register. This funding will help secure the building’s future, ensure public access and provide a boost to the local economy.