Southern Culture
Did You Know?
Sherwood goes South
Burham Beaches in Buckinghamshire and the New Forest doubled up as Sherwood Forest in the 1991 film Robin Hood
Key Drivers
Heritage Protection Reform
www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.8380 www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/Historic_environment/heritage/heritage_pro tection_review.htm
www.culture.gov.uk/Reference_library/Consultations/2007_current_consultations/hpr_whitepaper07.htm
The Government has published (March 2007) its White Paper on Heritage Protection reform following three years of review, consultation and testing. Reforms planned for the structure, function and funding of local government were published in a White Paper in October 2006. These reforms propose devolving more power from central government to local government and in turn devolving some of their powers to the local and neighbourhood levels enabling local people to be more engaged in the management of their local community. The reforms also invited some two-tier areas to submit proposals to create unitary authorities and there is a heavy focus on the importance of place-making and partnership work. It is clear that given its cross-cutting nature and the range of services provided, at county, unitary and district levels, the management of the historic environment will be affected by these proposals. Full information is available at www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1137789
The Local Government White Paper
Reforms planned for the structure, function and funding of local government are expected in a white paper in autumn 2006. Exactly what these reforms may envisage are not yet clear though it is expected they will devolve more power from central government to local government and in turn devolve some of their powers to the local and neighbourhood levels, enabling local people to be more engaged in the management of their local community. The reforms could also suggest that some two-tier areas submit proposals to create unitary authorities. In addition the potential for city-regions to provide governance on certain issues may also be suggested. Appetite for such a major institutional change varies. It is clear; however, that given its cross cutting nature and the range of services provided, at county, unitary and district levels, the management of the historic environment will be affected by any reforms. Changes may well be doubly significant for the sector in the years to come as it also works to implement Heritage Protection Reform.
Where we live! - www.wherewelive.org.uk
There is currently a great focus in national and regional policy on building local communities. In the South East this is particularly prevalent with three major growth areas in the region and several other 'growth points' having designated in 2006.There is sector-wide commitment to maximising the benefits of incorporating local history into the building of new communities in these areas. It helps create a sense of pride in the community and a shared sense of belonging, helping people identify with the place they live and with their neighbours. Equally, the historic environment has the power to alert a community to what is inspiring about its past and to enthuse them to cherish their local environment and feel engaged with it. The sector is working both regionally and nationally with other cultural agencies to ensure appropriate levels of cultural provision are developed where new homes and communities are built, and that culture is seen to be as vital as any other infrastructure requirements. Regionally this has led to the development of the Culture Thames Gateway North Kent Framework and Toolkit. The national Where we live! initiative is seeing the cultural sector work with a wide range of partners, including local authorities, planners and developers, to provide and support cultural provision that can change lives and communities for the better.