Labour rips up Blue Plaque scheme to feature more homes of 'diverse British heroes'
Lisa Nandy insisted the reforms will help ensure the contributions of certain communities are not 'airbrushed from our national story'
TL;DR
- The Blue Plaque scheme has been reformed to include homes of diverse British heroes.
- Previous rules preventing plaques on significantly changed or replaced buildings have been removed.
- The scheme now recognizes historic figures linked to lost music/performance venues, demolished homes, and former factories/workshops.
- Public nominations are now accepted under the revised rules.
- Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the reforms will ensure underrepresented contributions are not 'airbrushed from our national story'.
- The National Blue Plaque Scheme, run by Historic England, received £100,000 in funding to support research and nominations addressing historic underrepresentation and geographical reach.
- Historian David Olusoga welcomed the changes, stating they will 'liberate Historic England and English Heritage to celebrate the stories of England’s hidden heroes'.
- Applications for new plaques run until January 13, with unveilings planned for next year.