Will spending cuts destroy Britain's cultural heritage?

History for the Taking? Perspectives on Material Heritage, a new report published by the British Academy, reveals the threats to British cultural heritage caused by government spending cuts and rushed legislation. Written by John Curtis from the British Museum, Fiona Reynolds from the National Trust, and archaeologists Michael Fulford and Anthony Harding, the report focuses on archaeology and built heritage as the areas most at risk.

It outlines in particular the threats to the historic environment caused by cuts in the number of conservation officers employed in local government and by the extension of planning powers to neighbourhood level in an effort to liberate the economy from ‘red tape’. Archaeological heritage is also threatened by the fact that most investigations are now the preserve of commercial organisations: since 1990, such organisations have carried out 90% of all archaeological investigations in England. Lastly, the report also highlights under-addressed risks to cultural heritage in war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

It is possible to download the full report on the website of the British Academy.