16th January 2006, 01:47 PM
I haven't checked, but I suspect that the 70 in 'profiling the profession' did not distinguish between types of authority - so the 48 in counties and 40 in other authorities suggested by Peter Wardle would represent an increase of 18, not a reduction of 22 as suggested by Monitor Lizard.
I'm inclined to agree with Curator Kid that these things are best dealt with at County level. That imposes a certain consistency of approach over large areas, and allows at least the potential for greater resources to be available and for economies of scale. For users, it also means that the number of different sources of information to be consulted is limited.
I would suggest that, if designations and their administration are to be unified, then the ones now dealt with at District level should be passed upstairs to the County.
There are horrible difficulties, of course, caused by the mishmash that is our system of local government, meaning that it is impossible to set up a consistent system for archaeological curators across the country. We have two-tier areas with County and Districts, former Metropolitan counties now single-tier Metropolitan Districts (sometimes with Joint Strategic Services organisations), and newer Unitary authorities. The whole mess was created by the Tories, but the present government haven't helped with their half-assed, often abortive attempts at reform.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
I'm inclined to agree with Curator Kid that these things are best dealt with at County level. That imposes a certain consistency of approach over large areas, and allows at least the potential for greater resources to be available and for economies of scale. For users, it also means that the number of different sources of information to be consulted is limited.
I would suggest that, if designations and their administration are to be unified, then the ones now dealt with at District level should be passed upstairs to the County.
There are horrible difficulties, of course, caused by the mishmash that is our system of local government, meaning that it is impossible to set up a consistent system for archaeological curators across the country. We have two-tier areas with County and Districts, former Metropolitan counties now single-tier Metropolitan Districts (sometimes with Joint Strategic Services organisations), and newer Unitary authorities. The whole mess was created by the Tories, but the present government haven't helped with their half-assed, often abortive attempts at reform.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished