Heritage crafts in the Lords – October 2024

Thanks to the APPG for Craft for communicating many of these issues with Peers.

On 21 October Baroness Hodgson of Abinger asked what assessment they have made of our Red List of Endangered Crafts, and what plans they have, if any, to support any of those listed to prevent extinction. Baroness Twycross for the Government responded citing the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support for traditional craft skills and training in a variety of ways, including our bursary scheme, through which three bursaries have been funded to date. She also referenced the UK ratification of the 20023 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2024-10-07.HL1227.h

On 28 October Lord Freyberg asked what plans the Government has for funding mechanisms to support training and development in the UK’s heritage craft sector. Baroness Twycross for the Government responded that the Government is committed to supporting our heritage, culture and creative industries. She cited the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support for traditional craft skills and training in a variety of ways, including our bursary scheme, through which three bursaries have been funded to date. https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2024-10-15.HL1612.h

Lord Freyberg also asked what measures the Government is taking to facilitate cross-border exchange of craftspeople, particularly between the UK and countries such as France and Germany, where journeying is a key element of their craft education systems. In particular he asked what plans they have to reduce the costs of sponsoring foreign skilled makers, and establish a centralised database to facilitate workshop exchanges and streamline short-term travel abroad for UK apprentices and craftspeople. Baroness Twycross responded that the Government recognises the value of cross-border exchanges for craftspeople, particularly in Europe, and that there are a number of visa routes suitable for people coming to work in skilled trades, or to do training or work experience. She added that the Government will work to improve the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the EU by tearing down unnecessary barriers to trade, and reform the Growth and Skills Levy to deliver greater flexibility for learners and employers. https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2024-10-15.HL1609.h

On 29 October Lord Freyberg asked whether the Government plans to add critically endangered crafts from the Red List to the Shortage Occupation List to help UK-based heritage craft businesses recruit skilled artisans. Lord Hanson of Flint for the government responded that the majority of the occupations on the red list are eligible to be sponsored for a visa as skilled workers. https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2024-10-15.HL1611.h

Lord Freyberg also asked what plans the Government have to provide financial or logistical support to small craft manufacturers struggling with high import duties when bringing their own work back into the UK after exhibiting abroad. Lord Livermore for the government responded that Returned Goods Relief allows individuals and businesses to claim relief from customs duty and import VAT on goods which are exported from the UK and subsequently returned to the UK, subject to meeting the relief’s conditions. https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2024-10-15.HL1613.h