Funding model 'constraining' ability to tackle heritage 'critical maintenance backlog'

MNH outlines issues with Treasury support

Manx National Heritage says the funding model provided by Treasury is ‘constraining’ its ability to address a substantial, and ever-increasing, ‘critical maintenance backlog’.

It follows an accusation from the chairman of Castletown Commissioners, and former chief minister, Tony Brown that heritage assets are being ‘neglected’ by government.

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In response MNH says it recognises the ‘strength of feeling’ made by Mr Brown in relation to funding provision for the nation’s heritage.

The charity receives an annual grant from Treasury which represents ‘a contribution rather than full cost recovery’.

In the last financial year 31 percent of the annual grant was returned to the department in capital loan repayments including interest.

This, MNH says, poses a ‘considerable challenge’ to the available funding each year.

"Capital funding for heritage repairs is typically provided as repayable loans placing pressure on charitable reserves and constraining MNH’s ability to address a substantial and ever-increasing critical maintenance backlog and conservation deficit across the national estate." - Manx National Heritage

Chairman Jonathan Hall said: "In addition all capital loan funding for minor capital works must be repaid with interest, placing pressure on charitable reserves and further constraining available resources for frontline conservation work and museum development.”

MNH says it has made, and continues to make, significant investment in Castletown including ongoing conservation works at Castle Rushen and the development of 1 Market Square.

It adds it is hopeful the Old Police Station will be sensitively developed by a private investor adding it retains registered building status and is also in a conservation area - MNH also provides heritage and conservation input into planning applications.

MNH told Manx Radio it remains committed to working constructively with government and private investors to secure additional funding to safeguard the Island’s heritage.