Heritage Craft and Building Sector

Debate between Baroness Twycross and Baroness Garden of Frognal

Monday 12th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I am very aware, as the noble Lord clearly is, of the shortage of specialist thatchers. Since I have been in this role, I have learned a huge amount about the different types of techniques that are used around the country. This is one of the issues we have been talking about with the sector. I point to the work of museums such as the Weald & Downland Living Museum in this area, as well as other organisations.

On VAT, noble Lords will be aware that that is a matter for the Treasury. However, I ask the noble Lord to note that a blanket VAT cut for all historic building repairs would be a significant fiscal intervention and potentially subsidise repairs that might have happened anyway. In a tight fiscal climate, it is arguably better value for money to direct taxpayers’ money into targeted funds such as the heritage at risk grants or the Heritage Revival Fund, where we can ensure that every pound delivers genuine public benefit and regeneration rather than a broad tax relief.

[Baroness Garden of Frognal (LD)]

My Lords, the time was when schools—particularly boys’ schools, sadly—routinely taught woodwork and metalwork, which led young people into the crafts and skills that are now in such short supply. Given the importance of heritage craft skills to the economy, as well as to well-being, what steps are being taken to reintroduce these important subjects into schools to encourage enthusiasm for skills so that the shortages in the workforce can begin to be remedied?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

Helpfully, my noble friend Lady Smith is sitting next to me, and I have confirmed with her what I understood to be the case, which is that schools still routinely teach children those skills. One of the challenges is how we make sure young people understand the exciting careers available. Within some of the work that is going on with regard to building skills and the targets for new homes, there are a lot of retrofitting skills and expertise being rolled out, which is clearly one way in which we can make sure that we restore heritage buildings given the amount of our built environment that is over a particular age.

Live Music Industry: Support

Debate between Baroness Twycross and Baroness Garden of Frognal

Monday 23rd June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The noble Baroness is correct that it is a positive sign that it was mentioned in the announcement following the UK-EU summit on 19 May. Both the UK and the European Commission are committed to supporting travel and cultural exchange, including the activities of touring artists. We are continuing to engage constructively with the European Commission to address the challenges that touring artists and their support staff face, while respecting regulatory frameworks on both sides. My colleague, Sir Chris Bryant, has held a number of bilateral meetings with other countries and the Commission to try to move this forward.

[Baroness Garden of Frognal (LD)]

Given that music has disappeared from many state schools, what are the Government doing to bring music back, particularly to primary and secondary school children?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

This Government are absolutely committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality creative education, including music. As noble Lords will be aware, we launched an independent curriculum and assessment review, which seeks to deliver a broader curriculum so that young people do not miss out on music and the arts. The Government are also working with Young Sounds UK on a four-year music opportunities pilot to break down barriers to music education for disadvantaged and SEND students.