Report reveals that heritage sites are struggling in multiple ways, due to the cost-of-living crisis
19th July 2024 12:34 - Culture and Heritage
Report reveals that heritage sites are struggling in multiple ways: A recent piece of research from The Heritage Alliance has found that heritage sites across the UK are struggling in more areas than one because of the cost-of-living crisis. The research involved 202 responses, made up of organisations in the following sub-sectors: Museums, libraries & archives, built heritage, places of worship, sector support, landscapes, parks and nature and more. Discussions also took place with 65 individual heritage professionals, academics and policy makers, as part of the research.
Energy Bills and Net-zero:
When questioned about energy bills, 94% of respondents expressed ongoing concern, with 30% identifying them as their primary worry. Furthermore, regarding barriers to adopting renewable energy sources, 55% pointed to insufficient funding and 42% mentioned planning restrictions.
It is estimated that the UK will need 205,000 skilled, full-time construction workers to retrofit the UK’s historic buildings by 2050 and meet the net zero targets, meaning the current estimated workforce needs to double.
Staffing:
In a recent Heritage Alliance survey, 70% of respondents indicated that staffing was a major concern for their organizations, with 28% naming it their top concern, surpassing even energy bills. Additionally, 68% reported worries about staff or volunteer wellbeing, often citing burnout due to understaffing as a primary factor for diminished morale and motivation.
Public Engagement:
The survey highlighted that 48% of respondents cited visitor spending as a pressing organisational concern. Thirty-nine percent of school leaders reported that they have made cuts to school trips and enrichment activities due to the cost of living, most likely contributing to a drop in visitor spending.
Funding:
Since the pandemic, heritage sites have faced challenges with funding and finances. In 2022/23, museums experienced a 3% decrease in annual turnover, falling below pre-pandemic levels, while expenditures rose by 10%, underscoring the critical need for funding. Over half (51%) of respondents identified underfunding as a significant issue.
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