Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they expect to publish the review of local government archaeology services by John Howell MP and Lord Redesdale, which was commissioned in October 2013 by the Minister for Culture, Communication and Creative Industries, Mr Ed Vaizey MP; and when they plan to announce their response.

The review of local government archaeology services usefully highlighted the imperative of ensuring that local planning authorities have the historic environment information and expertise they need to help deliver sustainable development. Historic England is currently working with the Historic Environment Forum to develop sector-led ideas for new approaches to managing change in the historic environment that make the best use of local government resources and reduce burdens.