'Heritage Counts' is an annual survey of the state of England’s historic environment. It is produced on behalf of the Historic Environment Forum (HEF). The report summarises policy changes from the year, which for 2011 includes changes to the planning system, cuts to public sector funding and staff levels and new tourism policy; and uses the ‘Heritage Counts’ indicators to explore data trends such as planning applications and funding. Each year there is a focus on a particular research or policy area – this year it is the historic environment and Big Society.
There is a national report and nine regional summary reports which provide an outline of the key changes in each English region.
‘Heritage Counts’ indicators cover a wide-range of topics including number of listed buildings in England, heritage at risk, employment levels, visitor figures, membership numbers, public sector funding for heritage and education.
Data is available at a national, regional and local level in Excel spreadsheets.
Please see the national report page for the complete set of ‘Heritage Counts’ indicators.
Each year ‘Heritage Counts’ focuses on a particular theme. This year it looks at the historic environment and Big Society. It introduces new research from HEF members, The Heritage Alliance and Civic Voice to look at how the historic environment can be used to increase people’s active involvement in their community; through for example, volunteering opportunities or as an entry point to the planning system.
It also introduces new research looking at how heritage organisations and other local groups can increase and broaden community links, something which the HEF believe is important. For more information on this research please visit the Big Society page.