Listed Historic Buildings
Debate between Baroness Andrews and Baroness Twycross
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
My noble friend the Leader of the House has noted the issues with the heating. I will not comment on the heating, but it is quite warm in the Chamber today—so that at least is positive.
The restoration and renewal programme is a matter for Parliament. I understand that a debate is coming up very soon on this issue, which I encourage noble Lords with a particular interest to take part in. I cannot comment on whether the Palace will be added to the Heritage at Risk Register, but clearly there has been lots of discussion about the issues facing what is an invaluable building for parliamentarians but which is also of historic and cultural value to the country.
Baroness Andrews (Lab)
My Lords, does the Minister agree—I am sure she does—that the historic environment is an enormous social and economic asset to this country? Sometimes we overlook it because we are so familiar with it, but it is particularly important in social regeneration, no matter the community, which is why it was part of the previous Government’s levelling- up programme. How will our Government optimise all the benefits that the historic environment can bring, particularly in the context of the growth agenda?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I am very happy to agree with my noble friend about the value of heritage. Indeed, in preparing for this Question I read a fascinating list of properties, buildings and even high streets—including one I lived very close to until quite recently—that have benefited from investment and restoration. This benefits local communities and contributes to economic growth and preserving heritage for present and future generations.