Workforce and skills shortages now pose one of the most serious risks to the long-term protection of the UK’s built heritage. An ageing workforce, limited training routes, insecure funding and declining local authority 52 expertise are combining to create a fragile skills pipeline that is unable to meet current demand. Additionally, delivery remains fragmented, short- term and insufficiently coordinated. Without sustained intervention, these gaps in capacity will continue to drive up costs, delay essential works and accelerate the deterioration of historic buildings. (Conclusion, Paragraph 81)