A new high level Heritage Council announced by Heritage Minister John Glen at the end of last year that was to be chaired by him as Minister, apparently met for the first time in May, although details are sketchy, including when and where the meeting took place.

The Heritage Council is intended to emphasise the value of the historic environment, build consensus and ensure greater co-ordination between organisations so the sector thrives.

According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the Heritage Council seeks to strengthen the link between the country’s heritage and the wider regeneration and placemaking agenda as well as helping government to best support the heritage sector.

Its core members are: Michael Ellis, Minister for Arts, Heritage & Tourism (who has replaced John Glen, now at the Treasury but still a member of this Council); Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Minister for Rural Affairs & Biosecurity; Heather Wheeler, Minister for Housing & Homelessness; Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England; Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund; Lizzie Glithero-West, Chief Executive of the Heritage Alliance; James Cross, Chief Executive of Natural England; Hilary McGrady, Director General of the National Trust; and Dr Ben Cowell, Director General of Historic Houses.

Heritage Minister Michael Ellis said before the meeting: “The Council will create closer links between the government and the sector and will enable dialogue to drive progress in key policy areas affecting heritage.

“It will support the government in the implementation of policy and raise issues affecting the sector.

“In addition, the Council and government will work together on issues such as planning, environmental protection, social and economic development and education.

“The aim of the Council [is to] enable collaboration and the exchange of ideas so that government and the sector can work together to protect and preserve Britain’s heritage for future generations.”