Federation Of Family History Societies

Caring for our Collections

On 1 July we commented on the report entitled Caring for our collections published by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

On 15 October 2007 the Government's response was published. There were no surprises - pleasant or otherwise, and a number of references along the lines "Future funding for archives is, of course, dependent on the outcome of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review." Clearly that was drafted some time before publication because the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review was published on 9 October 2007 along with the 2007 Pre-Budget Report. It is interesting that the relevant part of the Review made no reference to archives but did include a reference to "maintaining funding in real terms for the arts, museums and galleries". So there is unlikely to be any good news for archives in the near future.

A copy of the Government's response can be downloaded at http://www.culture.gov.uk/Reference_library/Publications/archive_2007/cm7233_caringcollections.htm, while the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review as it relates to the Department For Culture, Media and Sport is available at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/E/C/pbr_csr07_annexd13_162.pdf.

17 November 2007
Roger Lewry
Archives Liaison Officer