Urgent Works for Buildings at Risk — Grants for Local Authorities 2024-25

Local Authorities have an important role in the protection and conservation of the historic environment, working with owners and custodians of listed buildings to find solutions when buildings are at risk or vulnerable. 

They also have statutory powers under section 54 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation) Areas Act 1990 to ensure that works necessary to safeguard the significance of listed buildings are carried out in a timely manner.

Cadw encourages Local Authorities to use these powers, but recognises the financial challenges that they face in serving Urgent Works Notices. Through this grant, Cadw can help Local Authorities to meet the costs of preparing and serving Urgent Works Notices to secure the condition of at risk and vulnerable listed buildings.

The grant can assist with:

• costs associated with preparing and serving Urgent Works Notices under Section 54 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, this includes the cost of fees for external advisers only
• works carried out in default by the Local Authority
• whilst this grant is primarily focussed on the service of Urgent Works Notices, funding may also be available to assist local authorities to meet the costs of serving other statutory notices, aimed at securing the condition of listed buildings at risk, including Section 215 notices — you are encouraged to discuss these proposals with Cadw in advance of submitting your application.

Cadw will fund up to 80% of the total eligible costs up to a maximum value of £50,000.

We encourage local authorities to take advantage of this funding opportunity and welcome early discussions on specific cases you may have. Please send any queries to the Historic Buildings Grants team at the Cadw Grants Mailbox at CADWGrantsMailbox@gov.wales

In the subject line of the email please start it with “LA Urgent Works Grant” followed by the LA name and the name of the Property.