Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Learned Societies at Burlington House

08 June 2021 · 10 other contributors · 9,402 words

Opened by Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

Responding minister: Eddie Hughes

EconomyCulture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tim Loughton raised concerns about learned societies at burlington house in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about significant rent increases for learned societies at Burlington House, with one society seeing its rent rise from 4,000 to 130,000 annually over ten years.
  • The societies are crucial for global research but face severe financial constraints due to their inability to raise additional income or sublet spaces.
  • Government asked to consider a new long-term lease arrangement that reflects the public value of 47 million annually generated by the societies.

Key requests to Government

I ask the government to consider a new long-term lease arrangement that reflects the public value these societies generate, estimated at £47 million annually by PwC. I also propose changing the rental policy so it equates to the capital charge levied on MHCLG for holding this asset.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

I am concerned about the significant rent increases imposed on the learned societies, which have risen by 3,000% over ten years. The Geological Society's rent increased from £4,000 to £130,000 annually, and is set to double further in the next decade. These charities are crucial for global scientific and historical research but face severe financial constraints due to their inability to raise additional income or sublet spaces. Moving out of Burlington House would be financially prohibitive and detrimental to their operations.

Other contributors (10)
  • Alun Cairns Con Wirral West

    Mr Cairns emphasised the unique role of learned societies at Burlington House, highlighting their contributions to culture, science and academia. He argued that these organisations should be considered heritage assets rather than investment property, allowing for more flexibility in finding a solution.

  • Bob Neill Con Bexleyheath and Crayford

    Neill highlighted the unique cultural, educational, and scientific value of Burlington House in central London. He argued against treating the properties as an investment portfolio and called for a recognition of its role as a cultural asset. Neill expressed sympathy for the Minister but urged him to open up the current arrangement to make it more affordable and allow societies to expand their activities.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

    Mr. Bryant expressed his support for the preservation of Burlington House, highlighting its significance to national heritage and global Britain's intellectual standing. He emphasized that disrupting the current arrangement would be detrimental to the societies' operations due to high removal costs, potentially leading to their closure. Mr Bryant suggested that a more reasonable assessment, such as £150,000 a year, could allow learned societies to utilise their resources better for public benefit rather than paying excessive rent.

  • Chris Skidmore Con Dorset South

    Mr Skidmore thanked the Member who secured the debate and highlighted the importance of the Society of Antiquaries. He expressed concern over the financial pressure threatening the society's collection, including a 3,100% increase in rent from £4,800 to £150,000 over eight years. He urged for an agreement that could protect the society and its unique artefacts.

  • James Gray

    Mr. Gray congratulated Tim Loughton for his campaigning efforts and agreed with Mr. Bryant's points. He argued that Burlington House is an integral part of the learned societies' identity and history and suggested a radical approach to protect these cultural assets, advocating for their preservation rather than financial exploitation. Mr Gray urged the Government to reassess Burlington House's cultural value and offer it free of charge to the learned societies, arguing that commercial rents would force them into bankruptcy and ruin their collections.

  • Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington

    Mr Smith expressed concern over the escalating rent rises faced by learned societies at Burlington House, noting that the rental arrangement should be unique due to their national value. He highlighted the societies' contribution of £47 million per year and the potential for relocation to cause significant damage and loss.

  • Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    Saville-Roberts emphasized the importance of the Society of Antiquaries, particularly its Welsh national group, and their connection to Wales. She highlighted the practical value for networking and knowledge exchange between London and Wales, stressing the cultural damage that relocation would cause.

  • Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

    The Government's proposed increase in rents is seen as unjustified given the minimal financial gain and the significant cultural value of the learned societies. The 3,000% rent hike makes alternative accommodation unaffordable.

  • Simon Baynes Con Cardiff North

    The economic benefit of the learned societies at Burlington House is estimated at £47.4 million annually, with relocation potentially losing a third of this value. Professor Hines emphasised the importance of maintaining a central location for cultural and scientific discovery.

  • Siobhan Baillie Con Stroud

    The learned societies housed in Burlington House are critical to solving challenges with centuries of knowledge. Stroud residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged discussions about rent and leases, urging for an affordable arrangement that allows societies to remain.

Government Response

Eddie Hughes

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship, and I commend my hon. Friend on securing this debate. The Government recognise the cultural and scientific contributions of the five learned societies at Burlington House but acknowledge challenges with the current rental agreement due to unpredictable rent growth since 2005. We are working towards securing a fair and reasonable condition that supports predictable future rents for the societies, protecting them from market volatility while ensuring they pay only market rent by 2085. The proposal includes conditions such as becoming more accessible to the public and advancing their cultural and educational agenda. We have made our pitch to the learned societies and are awaiting their response. Rent for 2020-21 is £15.35 per square foot, significantly lower than the market value of £50 per square foot for similar use. The Government remain committed to keeping the learned societies at Burlington House, ensuring they continue to benefit communities in a post-COVID world.

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