What action will the Minister take to ensure that the number of Finds Liaison Officers in Wales is not reduced?
The Portable Antiquities Scheme Cymru is an important scheme that plays a critical and unique role within the broader framework supporting archaeological discoveries and heritage management in Wales. Thanks to the dedication and professional expertise of the Finds Liaison Officers and the support received from metal detectorists throughout Wales, the scheme has gone from strength to strength.
Since 2015 the Portable Antiquities Scheme has been joint-funded by Amgueddfa Cymru, Cadw and Welsh Government’s Culture Division. Business plans across my portfolio will be agreed after the new First Minister has been appointed, however I can confirm the intention is that funding for the Scheme in 2024-25 will match this year’s allocation.
My officials are liaising with Amgueddfa Cymru to understand any impacts on the work of the Finds Liaison Officers.