Reducing The Risks

Although steady progress has been made in securing the future of buildings on the register, it is clear that, on the whole, the less problematic buildings at risk can be dealt with more quickly, leaving a hard core of the most intractable cases. Tackling buildings at risk requires a long-term approach, and considerable success can be achieved when this is taken.

What will English Heritage do to reduce the risk of loss?

English Heritage’s role is primarily to provide practical advice, guidance and resources to local authorities and owners to secure the future of important buildings at risk. English Heritage’s involvement in particular cases is determined by the importance of the building and the complexity of the issues. In problematic cases, English Heritage can help with analysis of the issues, investigation of the feasibility of options and brokering of the solutions. Buildings at risk will continue to be a priority for English Heritage repair grants. 

To help local authorities make more frequent and timely use of their statutory powers, English Heritage runs a grant scheme to underwrite a significant proportion of the irrecoverable costs involved in serving Urgent Works and Repairs Notices. In exceptional cases, English Heritage may itself acquire and repair a particularly important building at risk, where it is clear that the scale and complexities are such that direct involvement is the best way of securing the long term future of the building.

What can local authorities do to reduce the risk of loss?

Local authorities have a key role to play in protecting our historic environment. Taking action on neglected buildings requires a positive approach, which can be difficult in the face of limited resources and conflicting demands. Even though the challenge can seem daunting, expensive and unpredictable, allowing buildings to become derelict is, in the end, a waste of valuable resources.

Local authorities can take action to secure the preservation of historic buildings and the use of statutory notices can be an effective tool. Some local authorities have a successful track record in taking statutory action, but generally, these powers are underused. It is essential that local authorities make best use of their powers to secure buildings at risk, to ‘stop the rot’, and prevent the costs escalating beyond the point where it is economic to repair.