[holding answer 6 October 2008]: English Heritage is aware of several studies which have attempted to estimate the contribution of a particular element of the heritage sector to the national economy, but these have not enabled an aggregated figure to be prepared.
Significant figures are, however, available. For example, privately owned historic houses generate an economic contribution of over £1.6 billion; England’s cathedrals generate around £150 million per annum of benefits for the local and national economies; and a report into traditional building skills estimated that £3.5 billion was invested in historic buildings in 2005, a significant proportion of which paid for skilled craftsmen in the building trades.
Tourism, one of the largest industries in the UK, was estimated to be worth approximately £85.6 billion in 2006. England’s historic buildings are a key motivator for those considering a visit to the country and top the table of activities undertaken by those who actually do visit. It is therefore clear that a considerable proportion of the £85.6 billion is generated indirectly by the historic environment.