The Historic Chapels Trust (HCT) and the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) [Alliance members] are delighted to confirm that they will be working together in 2018/19.  The CCT will take over the day to day running of The Historic Chapels Trust (HCT), including its 20 historic …

World Heritage UK, [Alliance member] the body which represents all Britain’s World Heritage Sites, has started a major review of all 31 World Heritage Sites. This is the first time that a comprehensive picture of how the UK’s World Heritage Sites are protected and managed …

The First Light at Jodrell Bank project is set to receive £12.1m from The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), with a further £4m coming from the Government. The project will create a spectacular new building that will promote and celebrate Jodrell Bank’s world-leading place in the history of …

This short guidance note provides detail on the broadening of the VAT refund scheme for museums and galleries on 3 May 2018. The scheme originally allowed national and university museums and galleries to claim back VAT incurred on most goods and services purchased in order to grant …

The single departmental plan sets out DCMS’ objectives and how it will achieve them. This includes: 1.7 Use the Government Art Collection to promote the best of our arts, heritage and culture 4.8 Promote and protect the historic environment so that future generations can appreciate and enjoy …

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for DCMS, Lord Ashton of Hyde, has responded to a question asking what plans the Government has to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War; and whether there are plans to dedicate any lasting natural memorials. Lord Ashton stated …

The Ivory Bill will ban the commercial use of ivory in the UK, with certain exemptions including a de minimus rule to exclude items containing a small amount of ivory, portrait miniatures, museums and ‘the rarest and most important items of their type’. It was introduced …

DEFRA is carrying out a review into whether the protections for National Parks and AONBs are still fit for purpose. In particular, what might be done better, what changes will help and if the definitions and systems in place are still valid. Weakening or undermining …

The Government has published a manual for its historic buildings restoration grant. You can apply for this pilot scheme if your building is in one of these National Parks: Northumberland Lake District Yorkshire Dales Peak District Dartmoor The implementation grant application must be received by Natural England …

The Environment Secretary Michael Gove has published a Clean Air Strategy which aims to cut air pollution and save lives, backed up through new primary legislation. The Heritage Alliance’s Mobile heritage advocacy group is to consider the potential impact on the historic vehicles such as cars, …

The £1 million Coastal Revival Fund will support the restoration of some of the nation’s most iconic and best-loved coastal architecture – including places like the Pavilion Theatre within the Grade II* Winter Gardens building of Blackpool – and Swanage’s historic Victorian pier in Dorset. …

The Data Protection Act 2018 achieved Royal Assent on 23 May 2018. The Act implements provisions relating to GDPR among other things. The Government has published an overview of the Act, information on general processing of personal data. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has been granted new powers to act swiftly when people’s …