CELG(4) HIS 22

Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee

Inquiry into the Welsh Government’s Historic Environment Policy

Response from Vera Jenkins

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this consultation regarding the future and function of a Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historic Monuments of Wales.

Regeneration of our Heritage both Historical and Industrial is one of the best ways to get Wales back on its feet and keep us there!!  With the correct sustainability measures in place.

In fact I believe it is the only way of getting Wales back to work. The Community Strategy  has only partly worked because for the poor way in which the funding was delegated.

Q: will there be a massive hold up on restoration projects because of legal wrangling?

Q: As CADW has the say in what goes in to the listed buildings by way of restoration work will this then pass to the local authority to give the correct advice or the Royal Commission.

Q: Who will sit on the  Board at the Commission &  What Qualifications will they have?

Q: If a Heritage Bill was to be introduced what will happen to the VAT on restoration ?  Will the Royal Commission abolish it ?

Q: Will it state in the Bill that Apprentice skills must be instigated on the projects for long term sustainability & regeneration of jobs?

Q: Where will the funding come from?  how will it be distributed?

Q: What will happen to the Jobs at CADW?

Q: What will happen to the Skill set that CADW now holds. ?  It is able to commission from individual craft personnel. Will the Royal Commission protect any small company that has any kind of contracts?

The Questions can go on & on

However will the change in Policy  make the process of regeneration  easier or will it inhibit the way Community groups can access information?

Vera Jenkins