Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Alert Sample


Alert Sample

View the Parallel Parliament page for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

Information between 5th July 2026 - 15th July 2026

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Calendar
Monday 13th July 2026 4 p.m.
Culture, Media and Sport Committee - Oral evidence
Subject: BBC Royal Charter Review
At 4:30pm: Oral evidence
Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP - Secretary of State at Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Robert Specterman-Green - Director, Media and International at Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Thursday 5th November 2026 9:30 a.m.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

Oral questions - Main Chamber
Subject: Culture, Media and Sport (including Topical Questions)
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Parliamentary Debates
Future of British Horseracing
49 speeches (13,259 words)
Tuesday 7th July 2026 - Westminster Hall
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Arts Education
17 speeches (1,431 words)
Tuesday 7th July 2026 - Lords Chamber
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Sporting Events Bill [HL]
2 speeches (54 words)
Tuesday 7th July 2026 - Lords Chamber
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
National Youth Strategy
41 speeches (10,178 words)
Wednesday 8th July 2026 - Westminster Hall
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Draft Trade (Mobile Roaming) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
17 speeches (2,383 words)
Wednesday 8th July 2026 - General Committees
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Government Plan for Music
1 speech (849 words)
Monday 13th July 2026 - Written Statements
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport


Select Committee Documents
Monday 6th July 2026
Report - 2nd Report - Business events

Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Friday 10th July 2026
Correspondence - Letter from the Chair to Sarah Gardner, Acting Chief Executive, Gambling Commission, regarding Financial Risk Assessments, 10 July 2026

Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Correspondence - Letter from Baroness Twycross, Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling, regarding National Lottery Good Causes funding, 1 July 2026

Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Correspondence - Letter from Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Policing and Crime, regarding Major events evidence follow-up, 30 June 2026

Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Correspondence - Letter from John Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive, Equality and Human Rights Commission, regarding the fan-led review of live and electronic music , 24 June 2026

Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Oral Evidence - BBC, and BBC

BBC Royal Charter Review - Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Monday 13th July 2026
Oral Evidence - Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and Department for Culture, Media and Sport

BBC Royal Charter Review - Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Monday 13th July 2026
Report - 3rd Report - Protecting built heritage

Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Monday 13th July 2026
Correspondence - Letter from Julie Unwin, Chair, Charity Commission, regarding Charity Commission Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26, 10 July 2026

Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Monday 13th July 2026
Correspondence - Letter from Angelos Frangopoulos, Chief Executive, GB News, regarding BBC Royal Charter Review oral evidence, 8 July 2026

Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Monday 13th July 2026
Special Report - 2nd Special Report - Fan-led review of live and electronic music: Government response

Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - Brighton and Hove City Council
TOU0109 - Tourism

Tourism - Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - Wines of Great Britain Ltd (WineGB)
TOU0107 - Tourism

Tourism - Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - National Museum Directors' Council
TOU0102 - Tourism

Tourism - Culture, Media and Sport Committee


Written Answers
Newspaper Press: Standards
Asked by: Kevin McKenna (Labour - Sittingbourne and Sheppey)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework for news publishers in (a) raising press standards and (b) addressing (i) discrimination and (ii) other abuses.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

As a government we are closely following trends in media consumption and are carefully considering the best route forward to safeguard public trust in our news media.

In the UK, there is a self-regulatory system for the press, which is independent from government. An independent press is important for press freedom and to ensure the public has access to accurate and trustworthy information from a range of different sources. However, with this freedom comes responsibility. We expect all publishers, both local and national, to operate within the bounds of the law and adhere to high ethical and professional standards, as well as ensure appropriate routes to redress if these standards are not met.

The majority of traditional publishers are members of IPSO. Some publishers have joined Impress, while others, including the Financial Times and the Guardian, have chosen to stay outside either regulator with their own detailed self-regulatory arrangements. These regulators enforce codes of conduct, for both print and online news publications, which provide guidelines on a range of areas including discrimination. If they find that a newspaper has broken the code of conduct, they can order corrections.

Primary Education: School Libraries
Asked by: Blake Stephenson (Conservative - Mid Bedfordshire)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the answer to of 22 October 2025 to Written Question 101953 on Primary Education: School Libraries, published on 12 January 2026, how her Department will allocate funding for the creation of primary school libraries, in the context of the absence of centrally held data.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Every Child Can will invest £132.5 million of dormant assets funding to increase disadvantaged young people’s access to enrichment opportunities exclusively across five key categories of enrichment: civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoor and adventure; sport and physical activities; and developing wider life and future skills. This includes a £12.5 million investment to meet our commitment to provide a library in every primary school in England by the end of this Parliament.

The Libraries in Primaries programme - the first announced under Every Child Can - intends to extend provision to approximately 1,675 schools across England. It will prioritise schools with above-average free school meal eligibility, ensuring support reaches those with the greatest need, and schools with high SEND provision or additional needs will receive enhanced funding. The programme is led by the National Literacy Trust and is fully funded, meaning eligible schools receive this support at no cost.

Culture and Sports: Children
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure adequate opportunities for under 16s to engage in sport and cultural activities.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone, including children and young people, have access to and benefit from quality sport and cultural opportunities.

Our arm’s length body Sport England works to increase participation in grassroots sport, including providing more opportunities for children and young people from all backgrounds to be active.

The Government is committed to revitalising arts education through a reformed curriculum and support for teachers, including via the new National Centre for Arts and Music Education, due to be established by September 2026, and through continued investment in Music Hubs. To increase access to enrichment opportunities across culture, sport, and wider youth sectors for disadvantaged young people, the Every Child Can programme, backed by £132.5 million in dormant assets through the National Lottery Community Fund, will fund activities within school and in communities at weekends and in the holidays, ensuring enrichment is a common entitlement for all.

Hotels: West Dorset
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of tourism sector challenges facing hotels in West Dorset.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS maintains an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, industry partners, and the Visitor Economy Advisory Council to closely monitor and address the challenges facing the tourism and hospitality sectors, including hotels in West Dorset.

To support these vital businesses, the Government is delivering targeted measures, including permanently lower business rates for eligible retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from 2026-27. This tax relief is worth nearly £900 million annually and will benefit over 750,000 properties. The Government is also reviewing the valuation methodologies for hotels and pubs to ensure a fairer business rates system.

At a local level, DCMS works alongside VisitEngland, Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs), and industry leaders to drive year-round growth. Visit Dorset LVEP is central to this strategy, connecting people and communities by maximizing the regional economic impact of tourism.

Crucially, Dorset’s unique stories and landscapes are being championed on the global stage. The Jurassic Coast is a feature of VisitBritain’s international ‘Starring GB’ campaign, which leverages the power of screen tourism to drive destination bookings. This is supported domestically by VisitEngland’s ‘My coast has the most…’ campaign, which empowers local accommodation providers to showcase their unique coastlines, boosting off-peak staycations and ensuring West Dorset’s hotels thrive throughout the year.

Hotels: West Dorset
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what support her Department is providing to hotels in West Dorset.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS maintains an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, industry partners, and the Visitor Economy Advisory Council to closely monitor and address the challenges facing the tourism and hospitality sectors, including hotels in West Dorset.

To support these vital businesses, the Government is delivering targeted measures, including permanently lower business rates for eligible retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from 2026-27. This tax relief is worth nearly £900 million annually and will benefit over 750,000 properties. The Government is also reviewing the valuation methodologies for hotels and pubs to ensure a fairer business rates system.

At a local level, DCMS works alongside VisitEngland, Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs), and industry leaders to drive year-round growth. Visit Dorset LVEP is central to this strategy, connecting people and communities by maximizing the regional economic impact of tourism.

Crucially, Dorset’s unique stories and landscapes are being championed on the global stage. The Jurassic Coast is a feature of VisitBritain’s international ‘Starring GB’ campaign, which leverages the power of screen tourism to drive destination bookings. This is supported domestically by VisitEngland’s ‘My coast has the most…’ campaign, which empowers local accommodation providers to showcase their unique coastlines, boosting off-peak staycations and ensuring West Dorset’s hotels thrive throughout the year.

Football: Finance
Asked by: Rupert Lowe (Restore Britain - Great Yarmouth)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance her Department or its arm's length bodies, including Sport England, have issued to organisations such as County Football Associations on maintaining neutrality when delivering inclusion or community programmes in receipt of government funding.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Neither Sport England nor the Football Foundation fund political campaigning or religious activity, as this is prohibited under National Lottery funding regulations. As such there is no definition of political and religious neutrality that applies to County Football Associations in receipt of public funding.

Sport England-funded partners are required to comply with the terms and conditions of their funding agreements and, where applicable, the requirements of the Code for Sports Governance. The Football Association and the Football Foundation are Tier 3 organisations under the Code and are therefore required to have and annually review and publish Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans.

Football: Finance
Asked by: Rupert Lowe (Restore Britain - Great Yarmouth)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what definition of political and religious neutrality applies to County Football Associations in receipt of public funding, including funding distributed via Sport England or the Football Foundation.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Neither Sport England nor the Football Foundation fund political campaigning or religious activity, as this is prohibited under National Lottery funding regulations. As such there is no definition of political and religious neutrality that applies to County Football Associations in receipt of public funding.

Sport England-funded partners are required to comply with the terms and conditions of their funding agreements and, where applicable, the requirements of the Code for Sports Governance. The Football Association and the Football Foundation are Tier 3 organisations under the Code and are therefore required to have and annually review and publish Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans.

Social Clubs: Young People
Asked by: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure adequate opportunities for under 16s to engage in joint social activities with other young people.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

We’re working closely across government to expand access to real‑world activities as we know that strong offline connections between young people are essential to supporting their wellbeing and their development.

In December 2025, DCMS published ‘Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy’. This strategy will ensure every young person across the country, including those under 16, has somewhere to go, someone who cares for them and a community they feel part of. It is funded by over £500 million from DCMS, which includes funding for youth spaces where young people can come together, for enriching opportunities across the country where they can meet others, as well as for social action projects which young people can deliver in their communities.

Local Authorities have a statutory duty to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, sufficient provision of youth services in their area. We will explore reviewing this duty as part of a wider review of local statutory duties.

Theatre
Asked by: Steve Yemm (Labour - Mansfield)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, (a) what support her Department is providing for grassroots theatre and community production groups; and (b) what assessment she has made of the potential impact of participation in grassroots theatre and community productions on the mental health and wellbeing of participants.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises the vital role that the performing arts, including grassroots and community theatre, play in the lives of people and communities across the country, which the government supports primarily through funding via Arts Council England (ACE).

Through the National Portfolio Investment Programme, between 2024/25 and 2026/27, ACE will provide almost £100 million to theatre per year. This supports the work of a number of grassroots organisations, including Unanima, a theatre company based in Mansfield that receives £232,000 per year to help provide creative opportunities for learning disabled and autistic people. Similarly, ACE invests almost £45 million each year in theatre via National Lottery Project Grants, an open-access fund supporting projects at all levels. In February 2026, Julie Bagshaw received a £35,400 project grant for development costs for a community theatre project in Mansfield.

Community and grassroots theatre organisations also benefit from government support through Theatre Tax Relief; and in January, the Secretary of State announced the £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund, to support venues that provide creative and welcoming spaces for communities to come together and celebrate what makes their area special.

In 2024, DCMS research showed that active arts engagement has a positive impact on health and wellbeing. Mental health benefits of attending cultural venues, including the theatre, was shown to have saved the NHS £260 million per year for adults over 50, delivering a total benefit of over £3 billion. Engagement in the arts was similarly shown to have had significant benefits on young people’s mental health, delivering a total benefit of around £800 million for young adults (aged 18-29) each year.

Gambling Commission: Legal Opinion
Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the answer of 21 April 2026 to Question 126621 on Gambling Commission: Legal Opinion, in what circumstances may joining a consultancy that advises the gambling industry require prior approval under paragraph 45.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

All employees of the Gambling Commission are required to declare any intention to work in the regulated gambling sector, including consultancy. This is dealt with under a conflict of interest procedure, requiring sign off from a member of the executive team. This includes an assessment of any associated risks and/or conflicts that may arise, alongside any mitigation which can be put in place.

In the last 12 months, approvals were granted in respect of three individuals.



Gambling Commission: Legal Opinion
Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the answer of 21 April 2026, to Question 126621, on Gambling Commission: Legal Opinion, how many prior approvals have been awarded in the last 12 months.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

All employees of the Gambling Commission are required to declare any intention to work in the regulated gambling sector, including consultancy. This is dealt with under a conflict of interest procedure, requiring sign off from a member of the executive team. This includes an assessment of any associated risks and/or conflicts that may arise, alongside any mitigation which can be put in place.

In the last 12 months, approvals were granted in respect of three individuals.



Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Equality
Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many departmental staff work on equality, diversity and inclusion roles.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There are less than five staff members within DCMS who hold equality, diversity, and inclusion roles.

Charities: Assets
Asked by: Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party - East Londonderry)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 2 July 2026 to WPQ 13776, whether any disposal assets were recovered from those four charities.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Charitable funds were recovered from three of the charities and were transferred to another charity or charities with similar objects (as required by the Charities Act 2011). One charity had no remaining assets that could be transferred.

Charity Commission: Operating Costs
Asked by: Peter Bedford (Conservative - Mid Leicestershire)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the total running costs of the office of the Charity Commission for England & Wales was for the last full year in which data is available.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

In the financial year 2025-2026, the total running costs of the Charity Commission for England & Wales’ offices, including lease costs, was £1,672,633.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Secondment
Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, which organisations have (a) had departmental Civil Servants seconded to them and (b) seconded organisational staff to her Department since July 2024.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Since July 2024, staff have been seconded to the following organisations:

  • Sports Grounds Safety Authority

  • Tate

  • The Independent Football Regulator

  • East Midlands Combined Country Authority (EMCCA)

  • Office for Students

  • Reclaim Fund Ltd

  • National Lottery Fund

Since July 2024, staff have been seconded from the following organisations:

  • UK Youth

  • British Academy Award Letter

  • PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC)

  • OfCom

  • The Metropolitan Police Service

  • Young Men’s Christian Association (YCMA) England Wales

  • University Court of the University of Glasgow

  • Financial Conduct Authority

  • Bank of England

  • University College London

  • Better Society Capital

  • The Independent Football Regulator

  • UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Policy Fellowship

  • The University of Manchester

Streaming: Gambling
Asked by: Will Stone (Labour - Swindon North)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to assess whether gambling companies are able to advertisements on streaming platforms during the day.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government is aware of the increased prevalence of gambling advertising, including advertising of illegal gambling, on streaming platforms. We are committed to tackling the issue of illegal gambling advertising. This is one of the main focuses of the Illegal Gambling Taskforce which was launched in January.

Online advertisements, including those on video on demand or music streaming services, must comply with the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code). The CAP Code includes rules on content and targeting of adverts.

We will work with the Gambling Commission and the Advertising Standards Authority to continue to monitor this issue and will take action where necessary.

Creative Europe
Asked by: Baroness Pinnock (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the loss of funding from Creative Europe on music festivals in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

In its final year of eligibility for Creative Europe, the UK received approximately £13.4m in funding (an annual average based on the estimated total funding received through the UK’s eligibility period).

This Government takes the potential of our Creative Industries seriously – the Creative Industries Sector Plan announced the Government's Music Growth Package of up to £30m over three years from 2026, which more than doubles current government funding from £4.1 million to up to £10 million annually.

Music festivals are crucial to the UK's music culture: they provide a platform for artists, and support local economies and creative jobs. The Music Growth Package recognises this – it will deliver concrete benefits for festivals, artists, and venues through support with touring, performance and mentoring. Independent festivals will be eligible to apply for this funding once the programme officially launches.

The Government regularly reviews international funding opportunities, prioritising participation where it delivers clear value for money and economic impact. We also understand the importance of UK–EU cooperation through EU programmes, which is why we have associated to Horizon Europe, Copernicus, and Erasmus+. The Government has no plans to rejoin Creative Europe at this time.

Creative Europe
Asked by: Baroness Pinnock (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government how much funding the UK received from Creative Europe in the final year for which it was eligible.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

In its final year of eligibility for Creative Europe, the UK received approximately £13.4m in funding (an annual average based on the estimated total funding received through the UK’s eligibility period).

This Government takes the potential of our Creative Industries seriously – the Creative Industries Sector Plan announced the Government's Music Growth Package of up to £30m over three years from 2026, which more than doubles current government funding from £4.1 million to up to £10 million annually.

Music festivals are crucial to the UK's music culture: they provide a platform for artists, and support local economies and creative jobs. The Music Growth Package recognises this – it will deliver concrete benefits for festivals, artists, and venues through support with touring, performance and mentoring. Independent festivals will be eligible to apply for this funding once the programme officially launches.

The Government regularly reviews international funding opportunities, prioritising participation where it delivers clear value for money and economic impact. We also understand the importance of UK–EU cooperation through EU programmes, which is why we have associated to Horizon Europe, Copernicus, and Erasmus+. The Government has no plans to rejoin Creative Europe at this time.

Creative Europe
Asked by: Baroness Pinnock (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to rejoining Creative Europe.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

In its final year of eligibility for Creative Europe, the UK received approximately £13.4m in funding (an annual average based on the estimated total funding received through the UK’s eligibility period).

This Government takes the potential of our Creative Industries seriously – the Creative Industries Sector Plan announced the Government's Music Growth Package of up to £30m over three years from 2026, which more than doubles current government funding from £4.1 million to up to £10 million annually.

Music festivals are crucial to the UK's music culture: they provide a platform for artists, and support local economies and creative jobs. The Music Growth Package recognises this – it will deliver concrete benefits for festivals, artists, and venues through support with touring, performance and mentoring. Independent festivals will be eligible to apply for this funding once the programme officially launches.

The Government regularly reviews international funding opportunities, prioritising participation where it delivers clear value for money and economic impact. We also understand the importance of UK–EU cooperation through EU programmes, which is why we have associated to Horizon Europe, Copernicus, and Erasmus+. The Government has no plans to rejoin Creative Europe at this time.

Gambling: Software
Asked by: Bradley Thomas (Conservative - Bromsgrove)
Wednesday 8th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to stop illegal gambling apps that are using registration; and what support will be put in place for victims of these apps.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The issue of illegal gambling is a concern for this government. We are committed to working closely with the Gambling Commission to ensure that illegal gambling, in all its forms, is addressed.

As part of the 2025 Budget, the Treasury announced that the Gambling Commission will receive an additional £26 million across three years to increase investment, resources and capacity to tackle the illegal market. In addition, the Crime and Policing Act, which received Royal Assent in April 2026, enables the Commission to apply for new powers to obtain orders to suspend internet protocol addresses and internet domain names linked to illegal gambling. We also launched the Illegal Gambling Taskforce at the beginning of this year which brings together a wide range of stakeholders to take action against the illegal market.

We also recognise the impact that harmful gambling can have on individuals, families and communities and are committed to further strengthening measures to protect those at risk. The statutory gambling levy, established last year, provides independent and sustainable funding for the research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm. Approximately 50% of this funding will go to NHS England and Scottish and Welsh Governments to work with providers, including the third sector, to increase access to treatment and support for those experiencing gambling-related harm.

Gambling: Licensing
Asked by: Jeremy Corbyn (Your Party - Islington North)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will consider bringing Section 87 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act into force before summer recess.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government will bring Gambling Impact Assessments (GIAs) into force in due course and is currently considering what preparations and guidance will be needed for their introduction, to enable local authorities to use them effectively. As this guidance is crucial to the introduction of GIAs, we do not expect to bring GIAs into force until the guidance is ready. We do not anticipate bringing GIAs into force ahead of summer recess, but expect them to be in place by the end of the year.

Freeview Service
Asked by: Perran Moon (Labour - Camborne and Redruth)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure that television access remains universal and free to air after 2034.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

On 23 June the Government published a Green Paper, Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media, which sets out our commitment to ensuring people can continue to access free-to-air television and are adequately protected so that no one is left behind as viewing habits change. A final decision on the future of TV distribution after 2034 will be informed by this consultation.

The consultation will be open to responses until 31 August 2026. More information can be found here. (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/watch-this-space-a-new-strategic-direction-for-uk-media-green-paper-and-public-consultation)

Horse Racing
Asked by: Stuart Anderson (Conservative - South Shropshire)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support the horse racing industry.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises the significant contribution that racing makes to the nation’s economy and sporting landscape.

Horseracing is the only sport in receipt of a direct government-mandated levy for the purposes of supporting horse breeds, advancing veterinary science and education within the industry and facilitating general improvements to the sport. The levy income for 2024/25 was £109m, the highest since the 2017 reforms that extended the scope of the Levy to overseas betting operators.

Music: Tickets
Asked by: Lewis Atkinson (Labour - Sunderland Central)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the introduction of a voluntary levy on stadium and arena live music tickets.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government has called for widespread adoption of the live music sector’s £1 voluntary ticket contribution to help safeguard the future of the grassroots music sector. We want to see the levy in place for as many stadium and arena shows in 2026 as possible, and we continue to urge major promoters, venues, and artists to step up.

The Government welcomes the commitment already made by many, and is encouraged to see that the LIVE Trust has already distributed over £500,000 in levy funding to industry programmes and is projected to receive a total of £10 million in 2026.

However, we want to see uptake increase further, and have consistently said that we are prepared to explore legislative options if required to ensure the sustainability of our world-leading live music industry.

Video Games
Asked by: Ben Goldsborough (Labour - South Norfolk)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of trends in the levels of video games studio closures, and what steps she is taking to support the long‑term sustainability of the UK video games development sector.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

Video Games: South Norfolk
Asked by: Ben Goldsborough (Labour - South Norfolk)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to hep support the establishment and growth of video games studios in South Norfolk.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

Video Games
Asked by: Ben Goldsborough (Labour - South Norfolk)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her department will review the effectiveness of the updated Standard Industrial Classification codes for the video games industry following their implementation.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The new 2026 UK Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) framework will introduce a new dedicated 4-digit code for video games development, alongside the existing 4-digit code for video games publishing and new activity such as esports.

My department will continue to work with the sector, including with the Video Games Council, to understand the impacts of these changes, and monitor data from official statistics published as part of our Sector Economic Estimates series.

Video Games
Asked by: Ben Goldsborough (Labour - South Norfolk)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help ensure the long-term presence of video game studios in a) the UK b) the East of England.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

UK Games Fund
Asked by: Ben Goldsborough (Labour - South Norfolk)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the Entry Track grant of the UK Games Fund.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

Video Games: Equality
Asked by: Ben Goldsborough (Labour - South Norfolk)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her department is taking to help improve gender diversity within the video-games sector.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

UK Games Fund
Asked by: Ben Goldsborough (Labour - South Norfolk)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how the UK Games Fund will be targeted to support early-stage video game studios.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

Video Games: Finance
Asked by: Ben Goldsborough (Labour - South Norfolk)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to encourage banks to provide financial support to video games developers at all stages of the development process.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government has reaffirmed its support for SME growth and the startup ecosystem, extending both the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust scheme to 2035. Our 10-year Industrial Strategy and Creative Industries Sector Plan set out how we are driving targeted investment into the creative industries, including into video games.

The British Business Bank has received a record Spending Review settlement, increasing its financial capacity to £25.6 billion to support firms through programmes such as the Growth guarantee Scheme and Start Up Loans, particularly those in underserved, high growth sectors. As part of the Sector Plan’s commitment to increase private investment available to scaling creative businesses across the UK the Bank is significantly increasing its support for the creative industries with debt and equity finance. This includes a £32 million investment in a partnership with Haatch to fund diverse angel syndicates such as the UK Games Angels, and co-investment, alongside the Games Angels, in JECO: a toolset provider for games developers.

At the London Games Festival in April, we also announced the launch of a £30 million Games Growth Package, another commitment from the Sector Plan, which includes a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund offering grants for games companies from £20,000 to £250,000 to help UK games studios create new IP and attract private investment.

Horse Racing
Asked by: Lord Patten (Conservative - Life peer)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the listing of established historic racecourses as areas of historic interest or value.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

While no specific assessment of racecourse buildings has been carried out, racecourses are well represented on the National Heritage List for England, with around 40 listed examples of associated grandstands, pavilions and racing stables. Many of these have been recognised for their historic associations and interest, among the oldest being the Grade II* listed Grandstand at York racecourse dating from 1755.

Arts: Education
Asked by: Claire Hanna (Social Democratic & Labour Party - Belfast South and Mid Down)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues on improving access to creative education for children and young people from lower income families.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Ensuring all children and young people can access high-quality creative education is a government priority. The Secretary of State and Ministers regularly engage with colleagues at the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver the shared mission of breaking down barriers to opportunity.

The Government is committed to revitalising arts education through a reformed curriculum and support for teachers, including via the new National Centre for Arts and Music Education, due to be established by September 2026, and through continued investment in Music Hubs. To increase access to enrichment opportunities across culture, sport, and wider youth sectors for disadvantaged young people, the Every Child Can programme, backed by £132.5 million in dormant assets through the National Lottery Community Fund, will fund activities within school and in communities at weekends and in the holidays, ensuring enrichment is a common entitlement for all. In strategic partnership with DfE, we will also invest £22.5 million across 3 years to support up to 400 schools in the most deprived areas of England to provide a youth led, tailored enrichment offer, including culture.

In addition, to increase access to creative education, DCMS is providing at least £3.2 million in 2026/27 for the Museums and Schools Programme, Heritage Schools Programme, Art & Design National Saturday Club, and BFI Film Academy.

Performing Arts: Training
Asked by: Claire Hanna (Social Democratic & Labour Party - Belfast South and Mid Down)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the impact the cost of specialist creative training and auditions has on access to careers in the performing arts.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Making creative careers accessible is a key priority for this government.

We recognise that specialist creative training can be a popular pathway into a performing arts career, but the Government has not assessed the cost impact for individuals.

Forthcoming research, funded by DCMS and the Creative Policy and Evidence Centre, maps out the current access and demand for specialist creative education provision for 14-19 year olds in England, providing a foundation for future work in this area.

To support access to creative careers we have committed £9 million to a refreshed creative careers service, which breaks down barriers for young people. Additionally the Government recognises 12 World Leading Specialist Providers of Creative and Performing Arts, who in 2025/26 received a share of c.£45 million from DfE's Strategic Priority Grant to support the delivery of world-leading specialist teaching in creative subjects.

Arts: Training and Vacancies
Asked by: Claire Hanna (Social Democratic & Labour Party - Belfast South and Mid Down)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Creative Industries Council regarding skills shortages and creative education pathways.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS works closely with the Creative Industries Council (CIC), and in particular its Talent and Skills working group, to support government and industry’s work to address skills shortages and develop creative education pathways, furthering our Sector Plan ambition to build a resilient and highly skilled workforce that is responsive to the needs of the sector.

Recent discussions with the CIC have focused on the forthcoming Creative Industries Jobs Plan. The Jobs Plan will comprehensively set out the scale of the workforce challenge in the sector and how government, business and trade unions will work together to address this over the next three years. It is informed by the Creative Industries Skills Audits recently published by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Work Advance, with funding from DCMS and the CIC.

Arts: Education
Asked by: Claire Hanna (Social Democratic & Labour Party - Belfast South and Mid Down)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the merits of establishing a the Cross-Departmental Advisory Group on Creative Education.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

As set out in the Government response to the Independent Review of Arts Council England, The Department for Education and Department for Culture, Media and Sport will work in partnership to ensure there is strategic alignment across government funded programmes, including the Arts Council, to support arts education and enrichment – both in schools and communities.

Our immediate priority is delivering curriculum reform and the National Centre for Arts and Music Education. The Government will consider the advisory group’s role and membership in due course. The advisory group will be designed to complement and add value to existing work on arts education and enrichment.

Arts: Training and Vacancies
Asked by: Claire Hanna (Social Democratic & Labour Party - Belfast South and Mid Down)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with Trade Unions from the creative industries regarding skills shortages and workforce development needs.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Creative Industries Sector Plan sets out the Government’s objective to build a resilient, skilled and diverse workforce fit for the future. To deliver this, we are working in partnership with the sector, including its trade unions, to create the conditions for sustained economic growth.

Recent discussions with trade unions have focused on the development of the Creative Industries Jobs Plan. The Jobs Plan will comprehensively set out the scale of the workforce challenge in the sector and how government, business and trade unions will work together to address this over the next three years.

Extracurricular Activities: Finance
Asked by: Saqib Bhatti (Conservative - Meriden and Solihull East)
Monday 6th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how funding for the Every Child Can Enrichment programme will be allocated to schools and colleges.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

I am responding as the Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth with responsibility for DCMS youth enrichment policy, including Every Child Can.

As announced on 14 June, we will align the Every Child Can funding with DfE’s Enrichment Framework. This investment of £132.5m of dormant assets funding will fund opportunities exclusively across five key categories of enrichment: civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoor and adventure; sport and physical activities; and developing wider life and future skills.

The Libraries in Primaries programme - the first announced under Every Child Can - intends to extend provision to approximately 1,675 schools across England. It will prioritise schools with above-average free school meal eligibility, ensuring support reaches those with the greatest need, and schools with high SEND provision or additional needs will receive enhanced funding. The programme is led by the National Literacy Trust and is fully funded, meaning eligible schools receive this support at no cost.

The remaining funding will be directed across the categories above, funding enriching activities which may be delivered on school premises or in the community, in order to reach as many young people as possible. Eligibility criteria are still being considered as we develop the funding programmes and further details on which groups and organisations will be able to apply will be confirmed in due course. Dormant assets funding cannot fund statutory provision and all activities funded should adhere to the additionality principle.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Marketing
Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)
Friday 10th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what information her Department holds on the cost it has spent on branded goods and merchandise.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS spent £2,970 on 1,500 VE Day 80 branded lanyards in 2025 to support the safe delivery of the commemorative events. Lanyards help identify authorised personnel and manage access within a secure event footprint.

Youth Services
Asked by: Patrick Hurley (Labour - Southport)
Friday 10th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the impact of levels of (a) youth services and (b) wider community infrastructure on educational outcomes.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

This government published Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy in December, following extensive research through qualitative data collection and wider evidence collation, and direct engagement with young people to understand their needs. It sets out the importance of high quality education as a foundation for improving young people’s lives.

We recognise young people’s educational outcomes are bolstered by access to positive activities, opportunities to develop skills, and spaces where they feel heard and connected to their community. Youth Matters committed to over £60 million to improve access to enriching activities and youth work, £350 million to refurbish or build up to 250 youth facilities, and £132.5 million of dormant assets into enriching opportunities through Every Child Can. In addition, the £22.5 million Enrichment Expansion Programme will support up to 400 schools in the most deprived areas of England, helping them to better connect with their local community to improve the enrichment offer to their pupils.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Friday 10th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, a) what AI training her Department provides, b) how many hours of AI training her Department provides and c) what topics and skills are covered.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

In addition to centrally available AI training for all Civil Servants (via Civil Service Learning), the current training available to all DCMS staff includes:

  • DCMS AI in practice (Beginner level): an interactive, step-by-step module exploring DCMS guidances, compliance and best practices (1hr 33mins)

  • AI Ethics, Risks and Sustainability (Beginner level): explores the ethical landscape and sustainability of AI to help build confidence in its use (25 minutes)

  • Migration guide Gemini to Copilot (Beginner/Intermediate): a quick reference guide on the equivalent of functionalities between Gemini and Copilot

Gambling: Advertising
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Friday 10th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of gambling advertisements on children and young people; and whether she plans to introduce further restrictions on advertising.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

All gambling operators in the UK must comply with robust advertising codes, which are enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) independently of Government. These codes apply across all advertising platforms, including broadcast, online and social media. The codes are regularly reviewed and updated and include a wide range of provisions designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm. When operators fall short, the ASA can take action or refer them to the Gambling Commission, as the statutory regulator for gambling in Great Britain, for possible enforcement action.

In addition, the Gambling Commission has introduced a range of new advertising regulations. This includes a ban on cross-marketing multiple gambling products within one incentive, requirements for new and existing customers to “opt-in” to the specific types of marketing they receive, and a cap on wagering requirements.

The statutory and voluntary regulatory framework is robust, and we have confidence in the Gambling Commission and the ASA. However, we continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that gambling advertising is being regulated effectively.

The Government recognises that children’s exposure to gambling advertising is a serious issue. We continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including the gambling industry, to further strengthen protections. We have also redoubled efforts to work cross-government and with tech platforms to address illegal gambling advertising, which poses the most immediate risk for children and young people.

Gambling: Advertising
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Friday 10th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the UK’s current regulatory bodies in mitigating the harms associated with gambling advertisements.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

All gambling operators in the UK must comply with robust advertising codes, which are enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) independently of Government. These codes apply across all advertising platforms, including broadcast, online and social media. The codes are regularly reviewed and updated and include a wide range of provisions designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm. When operators fall short, the ASA can take action or refer them to the Gambling Commission, as the statutory regulator for gambling in Great Britain, for possible enforcement action.

In addition, the Gambling Commission has introduced a range of new advertising regulations. This includes a ban on cross-marketing multiple gambling products within one incentive, requirements for new and existing customers to “opt-in” to the specific types of marketing they receive, and a cap on wagering requirements.

The statutory and voluntary regulatory framework is robust, and we have confidence in the Gambling Commission and the ASA. However, we continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that gambling advertising is being regulated effectively.

The Government recognises that children’s exposure to gambling advertising is a serious issue. We continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including the gambling industry, to further strengthen protections. We have also redoubled efforts to work cross-government and with tech platforms to address illegal gambling advertising, which poses the most immediate risk for children and young people.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, to what extent are automated decision-making systems used in relation to employment by her Department, including recruitment, performance management, discipline, or allocation of work.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. Any automated outputs are always verified, edited, reviewed and owned by a human. Our training and guidance to staff reinforce these principles.

Processing of personal data through part automation is subject to a Data Protection Impact Assessment, confirming the lawful basis for processing, as well as human oversight and accountability on any output.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department has taken to ensure that human oversight of automated decisions is (a) substantive and (b) effective.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. Any automated outputs are always verified, edited, reviewed and owned by a human. Our training and guidance to staff reinforce these principles.

Processing of personal data through part automation is subject to a Data Protection Impact Assessment, confirming the lawful basis for processing, as well as human oversight and accountability on any output.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Working Hours
Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the answer of 11 March 2026, to Question 110793, on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Flexible Working, how many and what proportion of full-time staff on full pay work compressed hours over a four day week in her Department.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

As of 1 July 2026, 46 full-time civil servants at the Department work compressed hours over a four-day week. This represents 4.0% of the Department’s 1,158 civil servants. Figures do not include staff currently on a career break.

DCMS remains committed to flexible working and the business benefits it offers, including supporting the Civil Service’s priority of ensuring the continued, effective, and productive delivery of services.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what consultation has taken place with recognised trade unions regarding the introduction or use of automated decision-making systems affecting staff within her Department.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

While no formal consultation has yet taken place, we recently met with our recognised trade unions to provide an update on AI adoption in the department. There is currently no use of automated decision making within the department; however, should circumstances change, the department will meet its obligations under our trade union partnership arrangements and engage fully through formal routes.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps has the Department taken to assess and mitigate risks of bias or discrimination arising from the use of automated decision-making systems.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. Any automated outputs are always verified, edited, reviewed and owned by a human. Our training and guidance to staff reinforce these principles.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Department maintains a public register or internal inventory of automated decision-making systems.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. Any automated outputs are always verified, edited, reviewed and owned by a human. Our training and guidance to staff reinforce these principles.

Members: Correspondence
Asked by: Seamus Logan (Scottish National Party - Aberdeenshire North and Moray East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when a response will be issued to correspondence sent to her on 5th March, 1st April, 30th April and 9th June 2026 from the Member for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East with the reference SL05816 in relation to the Listed Places of Worship Scheme.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Baroness Twycross responded to the correspondence on 9 July. The Department apologises for the delay in responding. The Places of Worship Renewal Fund was launched on 20 May 2026 and more information can be found on the Historic England website.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, given the passage of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 what safeguards have been implemented to ensure compliance with statutory requirements relating to automated decision-making, including rights to information, human review, and challenge.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. Any automated outputs are always verified, edited, reviewed and owned by a human. Our training and guidance to staff reinforce these principles.

Processing of personal data through part automation is subject to a Data Protection Impact Assessment, confirming the lawful basis for processing, as well as human oversight and accountability on any output.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, given the passage of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 what guidance has the Department issued internally to ensure compliance with the provisions of the 2025 Act in relation to automated decision-making.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. Any automated outputs are always verified, edited, reviewed and owned by a human. Our training and guidance to staff reinforce these principles.

Processing of personal data through part automation is subject to a Data Protection Impact Assessment, confirming the lawful basis for processing, as well as human oversight and accountability on any output.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, on what basis Automated Decision-Making in her Department are being made.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. Any automated outputs are always verified, edited, reviewed and owned by a human. Our training and guidance to staff reinforce these principles.

Processing of personal data through part automation is subject to a Data Protection Impact Assessment, confirming the lawful basis for processing, as well as human oversight and accountability on any output.

Gambling: Licensing
Asked by: Sammy Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party - East Antrim)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the Gambling Commission’s licensing checks in identifying whether gambling software providers supply unlicensed gambling websites.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Gambling Commission, as the independent regulator for gambling, has responsibility for making decisions around licensing.

As part of its regulatory approach, the Gambling Commission assesses applicants against the statutory licensing objectives and may take compliance and enforcement action where it identifies evidence of breaches of licence conditions or other regulatory requirements. This includes where operators or gambling software licensees are found to be supplying the illegal gambling market.

Public Service Broadcasting
Asked by: David Reed (Conservative - Exmouth and Exeter East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when her Department last conducted a resilience test of public service broadcasting infrastructure against the scenario of a national telecommunications network failure.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government understands how important it is that everyone can access information in times of national emergency. Television and radio both play an important role in providing such access in a range of different emergency scenarios, including scenarios where other communications may be disrupted.

The BBC has specific requirements under its Framework Agreement in relation to broadcast security and resilience, and works closely with DCMS in ensuring its infrastructure is able to support emergency communications.

Detailed planning and preparations for a range of risks in the National Risk Register is an operational matter for the BBC. The BBC has informed DCMS that there are robust plans and procedures in place, which are tested regularly, for maintaining resilient communications to the public via its TV and radio broadcast networks including live tests of its broadcast systems.

Culture: Young People
Asked by: Andrew Mitchell (Conservative - Sutton Coldfield)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to improve access to arts and culture for young people in the West Midlands.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government is committed to ensuring that all children and young people can access high-quality arts and culture.

Between 2023/24 and 2025/26, Arts Council England invested over £170 million in arts organisations and projects across the West Midlands, including almost £40 million supporting children and young people. This funding supports initiatives such as Powered by CAN in Sandwell, which develops creative opportunities and career pathways; Big Brum Theatre in Education, one of the most established Theatre in Education companies in the UK; and Wolverhampton’s City of Youth Culture programme, helping more young people engage with arts, culture and creative activities across the region.

Nationally, the government is committed to revitalising arts education through a reformed curriculum and support for teachers, including via the new National Centre for Arts and Music Education, due to be established by September 2026. To increase access to enrichment opportunities across culture, sport, and wider youth sectors for disadvantaged young people, the Every Child Can programme, backed by £132.5 million in dormant assets through the National Lottery Community Fund, will fund activities within schools and in communities at weekends and in the holidays, ensuring enrichment is a common entitlement for all.

Gambling: Internet
Asked by: Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether age-verification tools used by gambling operators and social media platforms are effective in preventing children seeing gambling promotions.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We are committed to taking action on illegal gambling. This includes working with tech platforms and social media companies through our Illegal Gambling Taskforce, to help tackle the advertising of illegal gambling. We plan to report on the progress made by the Illegal Gambling Taskforce once it has completed its first year.

Advertising of gambling products and services, including on social media, must be carried out in a socially responsible way. Advertising codes also require operators to ensure targeting is used responsibly, utilising tools available on platforms to exclude under-18s and other vulnerable groups from exposure wherever possible.

The Online Advertising Taskforce supports the aims of DCMS to improve transparency and accountability in the online advertising supply chain. It will deliver a programme of work to help address illegal advertising and minimise children being served advertising for products and services illegal to sell to them.

Gambling: Internet
Asked by: Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what role the illegal gambling taskforce is playing in coordinating action with major technology companies to identify, remove and prevent access to illegal gambling content online.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We are committed to taking action on illegal gambling. This includes working with tech platforms and social media companies through our Illegal Gambling Taskforce, to help tackle the advertising of illegal gambling. We plan to report on the progress made by the Illegal Gambling Taskforce once it has completed its first year.

Advertising of gambling products and services, including on social media, must be carried out in a socially responsible way. Advertising codes also require operators to ensure targeting is used responsibly, utilising tools available on platforms to exclude under-18s and other vulnerable groups from exposure wherever possible.

The Online Advertising Taskforce supports the aims of DCMS to improve transparency and accountability in the online advertising supply chain. It will deliver a programme of work to help address illegal advertising and minimise children being served advertising for products and services illegal to sell to them.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how her Department define and ensure meaningful human involvement in decisions supported or made by automated systems in the context of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. Any automated outputs are always verified, edited, reviewed and owned by a human. Our training and guidance to staff reinforce these principles.

Processing of personal data through part automation is subject to a Data Protection Impact Assessment, confirming the lawful basis for processing, as well as human oversight and accountability on any output.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what processes are in place within his Department to enable individuals to seek human review and to challenge decisions made by automated systems.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. Any automated outputs are always verified, edited, reviewed and owned by a human. Our training and guidance to staff reinforce these principles.

Processing of personal data through part automation is subject to a Data Protection Impact Assessment, confirming the lawful basis for processing, as well as human oversight and accountability on any output.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Artificial Intelligence
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how individuals are informed by his Department that decisions affecting them have been taken, in whole or in part, by automated means.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. Any automated outputs are always verified, edited, reviewed and owned by a human. Our training and guidance to staff reinforce these principles.

Processing of personal data through part automation is subject to a Data Protection Impact Assessment, confirming the lawful basis for processing, as well as human oversight and accountability on any output.

Hospitality Industry and Tourism: Trade Competitiveness
Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to enhance the competitiveness of the UK tourism and hospitality industry within the European market.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government is committed to ensuring the UK tourism and hospitality industry remains highly competitive within the European market. We work closely with VisitBritain, the national tourist board, to showcase Britain as a premier holiday destination to European visitors.

To capitalise on the growing trend of screen tourism and drive inbound visits, VisitBritain launched its global "Starring Great Britain" campaign in January 2025. This initiative leverages the UK’s rich film and television heritage to inspire travelers to explore diverse locations, including rural and coastal destinations. The campaign was backed by targeted advertising across our most valuable inbound visitor markets, including key European nations such as France and Germany.

In addition, VisitBritain's in market teams connect global buyers with regional suppliers in key markets to sell regional Britain internationally and grow inbound travel. In 2024/25 their trade programme generated 4,456 new business for UK suppliers, and just under £100 million for the UK economy.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Data Protection
Asked by: Andy McDonald (Labour - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, given the passage of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 how does the Department ensure compliance with data protection requirements relating to the processing of special category data, including data relating to health or protected characteristics.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Processing of personal data, and especially special category data, is subject to a Data Protection Impact Assessment, confirming the lawful basis for processing. There is no automated decision making in DCMS affecting individuals. The DPIA process identifies potential risks and documents the appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.

Extracurricular Activities: Public Participation
Asked by: Andrew Snowden (Conservative - Fylde)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the National Youth Strategy on levels of youth participation in out-of-school activities.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

We’re working closely across government to expand access to meaningful and enriching activities as we know that strong offline connections between young people are essential to supporting their wellbeing and their development.

In December 2025, DCMS published ‘Youth Matters’, a ten-year cross Government Strategy to ensure every young person across the country has someone who cares, something to do and somewhere to go. It includes a clear ambition to half the participation gap in enriching activities between disadvantaged young people and their peers. It is funded by over £500 million from DCMS, which includes funding for youth spaces where young people can come together, enriching opportunities inside and outside of school, as well as for social action projects which young people can deliver in their communities.

We are working closely with Other Government Departments to ensure the successful delivery and accountability of the National Youth Strategy, which will include assessing the impact of our funded programmes.

Youth Services: Finance
Asked by: Andrew Snowden (Conservative - Fylde)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how the £500 million allocated to the National Youth Strategy will be profiled over the spending period; and what steps she is taking to ensure the funding is spent equitably across regions.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Youth Matters will be focussed on ensuring young people have someone who cares, something to do and somewhere to go. The majority of our funding will be targeted to underserved areas who need it most. We are committed to working with areas of greatest need across the length and breadth of England. Following ongoing feedback and engagement with front line delivery organisations and young people, we are looking to merge our major youth funds and establish a much more straightforward funding system for youth through one interface, focusing on providing opportunities to young people when and where they need them.

Loneliness: Mental Health
Asked by: Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party - East Londonderry)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of links between loneliness and mental health issues, particularly among younger people aged between 16 - 35.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Loneliness can be experienced by anyone at any time, however we know that certain groups are at higher risk, including those aged 16-34. Research also highlights that the relationship between loneliness and mental health issues can be bi-directional, with loneliness leading to poor mental health and mental health issues leading to loneliness. Mental health issues among young people have risen sharply over the past decade, and it is crucial that measures are put in place to address this.

This Government is taking significant action to tackle loneliness among young people, recognising its direct impact on mental health and wellbeing. In line with our commitment to raising the healthiest generation of children, our 10 Year Health Plan sets out how we will work with schools and colleges to better identify and meet children's mental health needs by continuing to roll out mental health support teams in schools and colleges, with an accelerated target of achieving full national coverage by the end of 2029.

Raising awareness and reducing stigma is a core part of our approach to tackling loneliness and improving mental health, including through the Better Health: Every Mind Matters campaign. We have also published the Social Connection Framework to help professionals identify boys and young men who are at risk and are working to ensure half a million more young people have access to a trusted adult outside the home by 2035. Alongside this, the £2.5 billion Youth Guarantee will create up to 500,000 earn-and-learn opportunities, recognising that being out of work increases the risk of isolation and loneliness.

Events Industry: Government Assistance
Asked by: Damian Hinds (Conservative - East Hampshire)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what alternative sources of finance and support are available from HM Government for organisations and events previously served by the Business Events Growth Programme.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS recognises the significant economic contribution of business events, which facilitate trade and investment, support jobs and generate visitor spending across the UK. Industry data reveals that UK conferences and meetings generated an estimated £22.5 billion for the national economy in 2025, an increase from £19.3 billion in 2024 with the UK events industry expected to grow 3–5% annually.

DCMS sets the strategic priorities for the British Tourist Authority (trading as VisitBritain/VisitEngland). In line with those priorities, VisitEngland delivers its MeetEngland programme, which provides platforms for destinations to connect with buyers and bring international events to the UK. VisitEngland are supported in their efforts by local authorities, mayoral strategic authorities and destination partners including venues and event organisers.

Consideration of how best to support the sector going forward will be included in the upcoming strategies for both Major Events and the Visitor Economy.



Events Industry
Asked by: Damian Hinds (Conservative - East Hampshire)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what long-term impact she projects on (a) total economic activity (b) export earnings from the closure of the Business Events Growth Programme.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS recognises the significant economic contribution of business events, which facilitate trade and investment, support jobs and generate visitor spending across the UK. Industry data reveals that UK conferences and meetings generated an estimated £22.5 billion for the national economy in 2025, an increase from £19.3 billion in 2024 with the UK events industry expected to grow 3–5% annually.

DCMS sets the strategic priorities for the British Tourist Authority (trading as VisitBritain/VisitEngland). In line with those priorities, VisitEngland delivers its MeetEngland programme, which provides platforms for destinations to connect with buyers and bring international events to the UK. VisitEngland are supported in their efforts by local authorities, mayoral strategic authorities and destination partners including venues and event organisers.

Consideration of how best to support the sector going forward will be included in the upcoming strategies for both Major Events and the Visitor Economy.



Events Industry
Asked by: Damian Hinds (Conservative - East Hampshire)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what impact she projects on the development and marketing of business events in the UK from the closure of the Business Events Growth Programme.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS recognises the significant economic contribution of business events, which facilitate trade and investment, support jobs and generate visitor spending across the UK. Industry data reveals that UK conferences and meetings generated an estimated £22.5 billion for the national economy in 2025, an increase from £19.3 billion in 2024 with the UK events industry expected to grow 3–5% annually.

DCMS sets the strategic priorities for the British Tourist Authority (trading as VisitBritain/VisitEngland). In line with those priorities, VisitEngland delivers its MeetEngland programme, which provides platforms for destinations to connect with buyers and bring international events to the UK. VisitEngland are supported in their efforts by local authorities, mayoral strategic authorities and destination partners including venues and event organisers.

Consideration of how best to support the sector going forward will be included in the upcoming strategies for both Major Events and the Visitor Economy.



Events Industry
Asked by: Damian Hinds (Conservative - East Hampshire)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the growth trajectory of the (a) global (b) European markets for international business events.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS recognises the significant economic contribution of business events, which facilitate trade and investment, support jobs and generate visitor spending across the UK. Industry data reveals that UK conferences and meetings generated an estimated £22.5 billion for the national economy in 2025, an increase from £19.3 billion in 2024 with the UK events industry expected to grow 3–5% annually.

DCMS sets the strategic priorities for the British Tourist Authority (trading as VisitBritain/VisitEngland). In line with those priorities, VisitEngland delivers its MeetEngland programme, which provides platforms for destinations to connect with buyers and bring international events to the UK. VisitEngland are supported in their efforts by local authorities, mayoral strategic authorities and destination partners including venues and event organisers.

Consideration of how best to support the sector going forward will be included in the upcoming strategies for both Major Events and the Visitor Economy.



Events Industry
Asked by: Damian Hinds (Conservative - East Hampshire)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the size of the (a) global (b) European markets for international business events, and the UK’s share of them.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS recognises the significant economic contribution of business events, which facilitate trade and investment, support jobs and generate visitor spending across the UK. Industry data reveals that UK conferences and meetings generated an estimated £22.5 billion for the national economy in 2025, an increase from £19.3 billion in 2024 with the UK events industry expected to grow 3–5% annually.

DCMS sets the strategic priorities for the British Tourist Authority (trading as VisitBritain/VisitEngland). In line with those priorities, VisitEngland delivers its MeetEngland programme, which provides platforms for destinations to connect with buyers and bring international events to the UK. VisitEngland are supported in their efforts by local authorities, mayoral strategic authorities and destination partners including venues and event organisers.

Consideration of how best to support the sector going forward will be included in the upcoming strategies for both Major Events and the Visitor Economy.



Events Industry
Asked by: Damian Hinds (Conservative - East Hampshire)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what objectives her department gives to the British Tourist Authority for promoting the UK as a business events destination.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS recognises the significant economic contribution of business events, which facilitate trade and investment, support jobs and generate visitor spending across the UK. Industry data reveals that UK conferences and meetings generated an estimated £22.5 billion for the national economy in 2025, an increase from £19.3 billion in 2024 with the UK events industry expected to grow 3–5% annually.

DCMS sets the strategic priorities for the British Tourist Authority (trading as VisitBritain/VisitEngland). In line with those priorities, VisitEngland delivers its MeetEngland programme, which provides platforms for destinations to connect with buyers and bring international events to the UK. VisitEngland are supported in their efforts by local authorities, mayoral strategic authorities and destination partners including venues and event organisers.

Consideration of how best to support the sector going forward will be included in the upcoming strategies for both Major Events and the Visitor Economy.



Auctions: Human Remains
Asked by: Lord Boateng (Labour - Life peer)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in light of the sale of a mummified human head and a dangerous tribal skull from Borneo by On the Square Emporium Ltd in Belfast, whether they have any plans to restrict the sale of human remains by auction houses.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government is aware of the distress caused by the sale of human remains, via auction or any other means, and finds this activity abhorrent.

Under the current framework it is for auction houses to decide whether to prohibit sales of human remains, taking into account their own professional standards. We expect those involved to strongly consider the ethical implications of this activity. All human remains should be treated with respect and dignity.

We recognise that further work is needed to understand these specific issues and their scope. We remain committed to exploring ways to protect the safety and dignity of the deceased, including the treatment of human remains over 100 years old.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Written Questions
Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)
Monday 13th July 2026

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make it her policy to facilitate the answering of written Parliamentary Questions by Hon Members about operational matters of Arts Council of England, by copying or depositing the reply from those public bodies via the sponsoring Minister.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

As noted in the Cabinet Office Guide to Parliamentary Work, there is no provision for arm’s length bodies such as Arts Council England (ACE) to provide a reply directly to Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs). DCMS strives to provide full responses to all WPQs from Honourable Members, including those about operational matters at ACE, with whom we work closely. ACE also has a range of publicly available data resources, including its National Investment Dashboard and annual National Portfolio Organisation survey results.



Department Publications - Guidance
Monday 6th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Better Futures Fund
Document: Better Futures Fund (webpage)
Friday 10th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Youth Matters Fund: delivery partner competition
Document: (webpage)
Friday 10th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Youth Matters Fund: delivery partner competition
Document: Youth Matters Fund: delivery partner competition (webpage)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme: Expression of Interest
Document: Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme: Expression of Interest (webpage)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme: Expression of Interest
Document: (webpage)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme
Document: Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme (webpage)
Tuesday 14th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Music Champion - Terms of reference
Document: Music Champion - Terms of reference (webpage)


Department Publications - News and Communications
Thursday 9th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Shortlist for UK Town of Culture revealed
Document: Shortlist for UK Town of Culture revealed (webpage)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Royal Museums Greenwich Board Appointments and Reappointments
Document: Royal Museums Greenwich Board Appointments and Reappointments (webpage)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Royal Museums Greenwich Board Appointments and Reappointments
Document: Royal Museums Greenwich Board Appointments and Reappointments (webpage)
Monday 13th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Michael Dugher appointed as Music Champion
Document: Michael Dugher appointed as Music Champion (webpage)
Monday 13th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Michael Dugher appointed as Music Champion
Document: Michael Dugher appointed as Music Champion (webpage)
Tuesday 7th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Local journalism to benefit from new government funding to reach new audiences
Document: Local journalism to benefit from new government funding to reach new audiences (webpage)
Monday 13th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Government launches bold plan to ‘turn up’ the music industry
Document: Developing the Future of Grassroots Music Venues Programme, (PDF)
Monday 13th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Government launches bold plan to ‘turn up’ the music industry
Document: Government launches bold plan to ‘turn up’ the music industry (webpage)


Department Publications - Consultations
Friday 10th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media - green paper and public consultation
Document: (PDF)
Friday 10th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media - green paper and public consultation
Document: (PDF)
Friday 10th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media - green paper and public consultation
Document: Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media - green paper and public consultation (webpage)


Department Publications - Transparency
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: S4C annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026
Document: S4C annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026 (webpage)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: S4C annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026
Document: (PDF)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: S4C annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026
Document: (PDF)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: DCMS: spending over £500, May 2026
Document: (ODS)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: DCMS: spending over £500, May 2026
Document: DCMS: spending over £500, May 2026 (webpage)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: DCMS Transactions over £25,000 2026 to 2027
Document: (ODS)
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: DCMS Transactions over £25,000 2026 to 2027
Document: DCMS Transactions over £25,000 2026 to 2027 (webpage)
Thursday 9th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Annual Report to Parliament on public libraries activities from April 2025 to March 2026
Document: (PDF)
Thursday 9th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Annual Report to Parliament on public libraries activities from April 2025 to March 2026
Document: Annual Report to Parliament on public libraries activities from April 2025 to March 2026 (webpage)


Department Publications - Policy paper
Monday 13th July 2026
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Source Page: Turn It Up: Our plan for music
Document: Turn It Up: Our plan for music (webpage)



Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport mentioned

Live Transcript

Note: Cited speaker in live transcript data may not always be accurate. Check video link to confirm.

9 Jul 2026, 1:06 p.m. - Lords Grand Committee
"These sessions will bring together Jewish representatives, DCMs officials and arm's length bodies, including Arts Council England, to share best practice and secure meaningful, practical commitments for the next six months. "
Speaker 14 - View Video - View Transcript
9 Jul 2026, 12:20 p.m. - Lords Grand Committee
"I note that in February, DCMs Minister Ian Murray MP, while stating the government's commitment to free speech, caveated it. "
Speaker 3 - View Video - View Transcript
6 Jul 2026, 4:01 p.m. - Public Accounts Committee
"So levels of fraud in DCMs were a lot less because they were typically working through Arts Council England Sport and Sports Council, who in turn knew the organisations they were dealing with and some of the a number of departments, you know, made particular effort um at undertaking some basic due diligence before dishing money out. "
Speaker 2 - View Video - View Transcript
8 Jul 2026, 12:12 p.m. - Culture, Media and Sport Committee
"You know, I noticed that, uh, Secretary of State and DC EMF have DCMs has announced that they will no longer be on X worrying about the way the algorithms have shifted to favor certain types of content. "
Speaker 2 - View Video - View Transcript
8 Jul 2026, 5:22 p.m. - Westminster Hall
"This is a policy led by Mhclg, but of course the DCMs and of course the Treasury have a significant interest in this. "
Speaker 33 - View Video - View Transcript
8 Jul 2026, 5:25 p.m. - Westminster Hall
"That won't be reversed overnight, but we do have an ambition to work towards that because the strategy is backed by £500 million of DCMs funding. "
Speaker 27 - View Video - View Transcript
8 Jul 2026, 3:26 p.m. - House of Commons
"DCMS 10,000 people doing procurement. I'm not saying that it's inefficient, but I'm saying "
Graeme Downie MP (Dunfermline and Dollar, Labour) - View Video - View Transcript
14 Jul 2026, 10:39 a.m. - Education Committee and Work and Pensions Committee
"I just want to mention the Better Futures Fund, because we're working really closely with DCMs on what that money might do in sort of social outcome partnerships. "
Speaker 4 - View Video - View Transcript
7 Jul 2026, 3:34 p.m. - Westminster Hall
"I know it's not just the DCMs issue, it is a local government issue, but it's a concern that is felt across this House and across a number of sports. "
Speaker 15 - View Video - View Transcript
7 Jul 2026, 3:37 p.m. - Westminster Hall
"It seems a complete dereliction of duty by the government and by DCMs in particular, to have allowed the Gambling Commission to go ahead without bringing this back to Parliament following the pilot. "
Speaker 15 - View Video - View Transcript
7 Jul 2026, 1:14 p.m. - House of Commons
"DCMS Secretary, is here, so he might be wanting to raise some of these tourism issues later. He might be. He's been a bit too much "
Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Rhondda and Ogmore, Labour) - View Video - View Transcript
7 Jul 2026, 2:48 p.m. - House of Lords
" My Lords, the Department for education and DCMS are working in "
Baroness Twycross, The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Labour) - View Video - View Transcript
7 Jul 2026, 2:49 p.m. - House of Lords
"What can DCMs do now to press addressing that issue with DfE "
Baroness Caine of Kentish Town (Labour) - View Video - View Transcript
7 Jul 2026, 2:49 p.m. - House of Lords
"DCMS supported its creative and cultural sectors, including the screen sectors, to contribute to the Independent Curriculum and "
Baroness Twycross, The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Labour) - View Video - View Transcript
7 Jul 2026, 2:54 p.m. - House of Lords
"am clear that, like DCMS, DfE is committed to a strong arts "
Baroness Twycross, The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Labour) - View Video - View Transcript
8 Jul 2026, 10:23 a.m. - Culture, Media and Sport Committee
"Yes, we are, as you might imagine, uh, heavily into discussions with DCMs, with our officials and our officials. "
Speaker 5 - View Video - View Transcript
9 Jul 2026, 10:40 a.m. - National Resilience Committee
"Well, following on from your question, chair, the Cabinet Office also told us that, um, DCMs are engaging with the VC, FS, the voluntary community and faith sector. "
Speaker 4 - View Video - View Transcript
9 Jul 2026, 11:16 a.m. - National Resilience Committee
"That's partly why I say, actually, some of the ways in which people want to come to DCMs and engage in a way that other government departments perhaps don't get, because they can. "
Speaker 3 - View Video - View Transcript
9 Jul 2026, 11 a.m. - National Resilience Committee
"Given that's an awful lot of what DCMs is kind of core requirements are. "
Speaker 3 - View Video - View Transcript
9 Jul 2026, 11:04 a.m. - National Resilience Committee
"And I might come on to it later in terms of some of the commemorative events that that we engage with, and indeed a lot of where DCMs engages on is around some of those less formal structures and how you engage young people in particular. "
Speaker 3 - View Video - View Transcript
13 Jul 2026, 5:14 p.m. - House of Commons
"this issue, together with her colleagues in DCMS and also the "
Helena Dollimore MP (Hastings and Rye, Labour ) - View Video - View Transcript
14 Jul 2026, 2:48 p.m. - International Agreements Committee
"You know, we have player associations, betting operators, gambling regulators, police agencies, CPS, um and government DCMs are all involved in the Sports Betting Integrity forum all working towards the action plan. "
Speaker 3 - View Video - View Transcript


Parliamentary Debates
Contemporary Cultural Boycotts
26 speeches (8,623 words)
Thursday 9th July 2026 - Grand Committee
Cabinet Office
Mentions:
1: Baroness Fox of Buckley (Non-affiliated - Life peer) I note that in February, DCMS Minister Ian Murray MP, while stating the Government’s commitment to free - Link to Speech
2: Baroness Twycross (Lab - Life peer) Over the next few months, these sessions will bring together Jewish representatives, DCMS officials and - Link to Speech

Registration of Births and Deaths (England and Wales) (Specified Requirements) Regulations 2026
10 speeches (2,987 words)
Tuesday 7th July 2026 - Grand Committee
Home Office
Mentions:
1: Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Con - Life peer) many roles: Clubcard at Tesco, the use of data for health management at HDR UK and data protection at DCMS - Link to Speech



Select Committee Documents
Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - VisitBritain/VisitEngland
CHI0022 - China and the UK economy

China and the UK economy - Business and Trade Committee

Found: Authority) is the national tourism agency, operating as a non- departmental public body funded by DCMS

Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - Association of International Retail
CHI0035 - China and the UK economy

China and the UK economy - Business and Trade Committee

Found: recommends that “The forthcoming National Visitor Economy Growth Strategy, due to be published by the DCMS

Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - News Media Association
AIB0099 - Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce

Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce - Business and Trade Committee

Found: deal with Big Tech firms that are developing AI systems on a level playing field. 10 DSIT and DCMS

Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - Gianina Caballero
AIB0072 - Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce

Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce - Business and Trade Committee

Found: Ipsos/Alan Turing Institute for DSIT and DCMS, AI Skills for Life and Work: Summary Report, January

Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - Elysium Ventures Group
AIB0055 - Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce

Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce - Business and Trade Committee

Found: Industrial Strategy BPS – Bletchley Park Summit CSRD – Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU) DCMS

Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - Synthetic Media Research Network (University of Reading)
AIB0037 - Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce

Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce - Business and Trade Committee

Found: Recommendations: - DCMS should provide freelance workers in the creative industries with support to

Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - University of Southampton
AIB0042 - Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce

Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce - Business and Trade Committee

Found: Horizon Scanning by Jeary and Gajjar, 2024) This key issue and insight can be added into the work of the DCMS

Tuesday 14th July 2026
Written Evidence - Universities UK
AIB0058 - Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce

Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce - Business and Trade Committee

Found: Recently published research from DSIT and DCMS suggests that almost 90% of net employment growth between

Tuesday 14th July 2026
Report - 1st Report - Matter referred on 4 September 2025: Actions of the Charity Commission

Committee of Privileges

Found: in that conversation you raised two issues in relation to our letter to the Permanent Secretary at DCMS

Friday 10th July 2026
Report - 9th Report - Large business tax compliance

Public Accounts Committee

Found: tax system HC 645 22nd Government’s support for biomass HC 715 21st Fixing NHS Dentistry HC 648 20th DCMS

Wednesday 8th July 2026
Written Evidence - Regulus Partners
GAM0012 - Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up

Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up - Liaison Committee (Lords)

Found: This data has been shared with the Gambling Commission, the DCMS and the Office for Statistics Regulation

Wednesday 8th July 2026
Oral Evidence - Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Science, Innovation and Technology Committee

Found: That is why we have this joint work with DCMS on advertising and what steps we could take.

Monday 6th July 2026
Oral Evidence - Department of Health and Social Care, Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Business and Trade, HMRC, and Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Public Accounts Committee

Found: Levels of fraud in DCMS were a lot less because DCMS was typically working through Arts Council England

Monday 6th July 2026
Written Evidence - English Football League
GAM0009 - Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up

Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up - Liaison Committee (Lords)

Found: It was also developed following consultation with DCMS, the Gambling Commission, and the wider sports

Monday 6th July 2026
Written Evidence - Premier League
GAM0008 - Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up

Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up - Liaison Committee (Lords)

Found: The Premier League is committed to working with DCMS and wider footballing bodies, to ensure a responsible

Monday 6th July 2026
Written Evidence - UKRI Gambling Harms Research UK Evidence Centre
GAM0003 - Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up

Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up - Liaison Committee (Lords)

Found: systematic evaluation of these measures has not been commissioned (though recent appointment of a UKRI/DCMS

Monday 6th July 2026
Written Evidence - Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
GAM0002 - Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up

Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up - Liaison Committee (Lords)

Found: has and will continue to take steps to co-operate more effectively with the Gambling Commission, DCMS

Monday 6th July 2026
Written Evidence - Department for Culture, Media and Sport
GAM0016 - Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up

Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry – follow-up - Liaison Committee (Lords)

Found: Department for Culture, Media and Sport (GAM0016) Original advertisement for a fellowship embedded at DCMS



Written Answers
Stubhub and Viagogo
Asked by: Lord Strasburger (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Thursday 9th July 2026

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government on which dates in the past two years they have met representatives of (1) Stubhub, or (2) Viagogo; for each such meeting who represented the Government; and for each such meeting what was discussed.

Answered by Lord Leong - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

25 November 2024, Chris Bryant MP, then Minister responsible in DCMS met StubHub representatives to discuss potential secondary ticketing reforms.

17 March 2025, Justin Madders MP and Chris Bryant MP, then Ministers responsible, met Viagogo and StubHub representatives as part of a wider meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the consultation on ticket resale and call for evidence on pricing practices.

Officials met Viagogo and StubHub during policy development on the secondary ticketing policy on 22 August, 11 September and 31 October 2024, 18 November 2025 and 20 May 2026.

Internet: Children
Asked by: Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat - Harpenden and Berkhamsted)
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that the Government's policy on children online safety is integrated throughout all departments.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

DSIT works routinely with many other departments to ensure that child online safety is embedded in their work. Examples include with DCMS and DfE to support safe offline spaces and activities for children, access to high-quality programming and content, and a modern curriculum that helps young people understand the law, social media and how to engage critically online, and with Home Office given the critical overlap with Violence Against Women and Girls and Child Sexual Abuse Material policy.



Department Publications - Policy and Engagement
Friday 24th July 2026
Department for Business and Trade
Source Page: The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: year one
Document: (PDF)

Found: references were used for the Creative Industries section • Sector growth stat: GOV.UK, May 2025, DCMS

Thursday 9th July 2026
Cabinet Office
Source Page: Update on the Government response to the Humble Address motion
Document: (PDF)

Found: We re in close contact with DCMS teams on this issue, and are paying close attention for any further

Wednesday 8th July 2026
HM Treasury
Source Page: A new approach to ensure regulators and regulation support growth
Document: (PDF)

Found: The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) review of financial thresholds in charity law will



Department Publications - Transparency
Tuesday 14th July 2026
Cabinet Office
Source Page: The UK Government Resilience Action Plan: 2026 Implementation Report
Document: (PDF)

Found: Civil Society Resilience Infrastructure Fund: The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS

Tuesday 14th July 2026
Cabinet Office
Source Page: The UK Government Resilience Action Plan: 2026 Implementation Report
Document: (PDF)

Found: Civil Society Resilience Infrastructure Fund: The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS

Tuesday 14th July 2026
HM Treasury
Source Page: Reclaim Fund Ltd Annual Report and Accounts 2025/26
Document: (PDF)

Found: Treasury (‘EST’) and the Minister for Civil Society at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (‘DCMS

Monday 13th July 2026
HM Treasury
Source Page: Pool Reinsurance Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2025 to 2026
Document: (PDF)

Found: She led the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport 2013-2019, having also worked in the British

Thursday 9th July 2026
HM Treasury
Source Page: UK Government Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26
Document: (PDF)

Found: critical supplier failure; Ÿ continuing to support the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS

Tuesday 7th July 2026
Department for Education
Source Page: National Careers Service: course directory
Document: (Excel)

Found: This qualification meets the requirements for training for level 2 stewards as specified in the DCMS



Department Publications - Guidance
Tuesday 14th July 2026
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Source Page: Revised Telecommunications Security Code of Practice 2026 (version 1.1)
Document: (PDF)

Found: appropriately managed by the providers of PECN and PECS.3 1 UK Telecoms Supply Chain Review Report (DCMS

Tuesday 14th July 2026
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Source Page: Revised Telecommunications Security Code of Practice 2026 (version 1.1)
Document: (PDF)

Found: appropriately managed by the providers of PECN and PECS.3 1 UK Telecoms Supply Chain Review Report (DCMS

Tuesday 7th July 2026
Department for Education
Source Page: Statutory guidance: Keeping children safe in education
Document: (PDF)

Found: support, development and monitoring Online safety guidance if you own or manage an online platform – DCMS

Tuesday 7th July 2026
Department for Education
Source Page: Statutory guidance: Keeping children safe in education
Document: (PDF)

Found: support, development and monitoring Online safety guidance if you own or manage an online platform – DCMS

Tuesday 7th July 2026
Department for Education
Source Page: Statutory guidance: Keeping children safe in education
Document: (PDF)

Found: support, development and monitoring Online safety guidance if you own or manage an online platform – DCMS

Tuesday 7th July 2026
Department for Education
Source Page: Statutory guidance: Keeping children safe in education
Document: (PDF)

Found: support, development and monitoring Online safety guidance if you own or manage an online platform – DCMS



Department Publications - News and Communications
Monday 13th July 2026
Cabinet Office
Source Page: 14 government buildings closed in the past year, as savings for the taxpayer reach over £43 million
Document: here (PDF)

Found: committee, with a government representative currently from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS



Department Publications - Statistics
Thursday 9th July 2026
Cabinet Office
Source Page: Child Poverty Strategy: Evidence Pack
Document: (PDF)

Found: DCMS’ evidence review confirms there has been a decline in the volume and condition of social infrastructure

Monday 6th July 2026
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Source Page: The Economic Impact of Equal Opportunities in the Digital Economy
Document: (PDF)

Found: representation is more pronounced at senior levels – consistent with attrition patterns documented in DCMS



Department Publications - Research
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Department for Business and Trade
Source Page: Admin burden reduction technical annex
Document: (PDF)

Found: DCMS: Commencement of Charities Act provisions 63. DCMS: Introduction of the gambling levy 64.



Non-Departmental Publications - Policy and Engagement
Jul. 23 2026
Office for Equality and Opportunity
Source Page: Equality law call for evidence
Document: (PDF)
Policy and Engagement

Found: Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Economic Estimates: Earnings and Employment in DCMS



Non-Departmental Publications - Transparency
Jul. 14 2026
UK Research and Innovation
Source Page: UKRI annual report and accounts, 2025 to 2026
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: Creative Industries Clusters commissioning, AHRC and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS

Jul. 14 2026
BBC
Source Page: BBC Group annual report and accounts for 2025 to 2026
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: We were particularly pleased to see the importance placed on workplace culture in both the DCMS Green

Jul. 14 2026
BBC
Source Page: BBC Television Licence Fee Trust statement for the year ending 31 March 2026
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: Licence Fees is funded through the grant paid to the BBC by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS

Jul. 14 2026
Reclaim Fund Ltd
Source Page: Reclaim Fund Ltd Annual Report and Accounts 2025/26
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: Treasury (‘EST’) and the Minister for Civil Society at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (‘DCMS

Jul. 13 2026
Government Property Agency
Source Page: GPA Annual Report and Accounts
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: committee, with a government representative currently from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS

Jul. 13 2026
Government Property Agency
Source Page: GPA Annual Report and Accounts
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: committee, with a government representative currently from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS

Jul. 13 2026
Ofcom
Source Page: Communications Act 2003: Fourteenth report on the Secretary of State's functions
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: 202 4 to 19 December 2025 and sets out the functions exercised under legislation relevant to DSIT, DCMS

Jul. 13 2026
Ofcom
Source Page: Communications Act 2003: Fourteenth report on the Secretary of State's functions
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: 2024 to 19 December 2025 and sets out the functions exercised under legislation relevant to DSIT, DCMS

Jul. 13 2026
National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority
Source Page: NISTA Major Projects Annual Report 2025-26
Document: View online (webpage)
Transparency

Found: cell">British Museum - Energy Centre Programme (ECP)

DCMS

Jul. 13 2026
National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority
Source Page: NISTA Major Projects Annual Report 2025-26
Document: (webpage)
Transparency

Found: costs/schedule information Tim Newns DBT_0296_2526-Q2 British Museum - Energy Centre Programme (ECP) DCMS

Jul. 09 2026
Ofcom
Source Page: Ofcom annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: The fund is allocated by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and administered by Ofcom

Jul. 09 2026
Ofcom
Source Page: Ofcom annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: The fund is allocated by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and administered by Ofcom

Jul. 09 2026
UK Government Investments
Source Page: UK Government Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: critical supplier failure; Ÿ continuing to support the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS

Jul. 09 2026
The Charity Commission
Source Page: Charity Commission annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: contributed to sector reports and strategies, such as the place-based giving roadmap produced by DCMS

Jul. 09 2026
Intellectual Property Office
Source Page: The Patent Office annual Report and Accounts 2025 to 2026
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: to manage their patents in one place • working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS

Jul. 09 2026
Intellectual Property Office
Source Page: The Patent Office annual Report and Accounts 2025 to 2026
Document: (PDF)
Transparency

Found: to manage their patents in one place • working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS



Non-Departmental Publications - News and Communications
Jul. 08 2026
Royal Museums Greenwich
Source Page: Royal Museums Greenwich Board Appointments and Reappointments
Document: Royal Museums Greenwich Board Appointments and Reappointments (webpage)
News and Communications

Found: Notes to Editors DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including

Jul. 02 2026
Science Museum Group
Source Page: Trustees appointed to the Science Museum Group Board
Document: Trustees appointed to the Science Museum Group Board (webpage)
News and Communications

Found: Notes to Editors DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including

Jul. 02 2026
Royal Armouries Museum
Source Page: Three new Trustees appointed to the Royal Armouries Board
Document: Three new Trustees appointed to the Royal Armouries Board (webpage)
News and Communications

Found: During her time at DCMS, Helen led policy relating to museums, heritage and the arts, including oversight



Non-Departmental Publications - Statistics
Jul. 02 2026
Subsidy Advice Unit
Source Page: Report on the proposed subsidy to Athletic Ventures LLP
Document: (PDF)
Statistics

Found: comprising a grant of up to £32.8 million from UKS, via the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS



Deposited Papers
Thursday 9th July 2026

Source Page: I. The economic impact of equal opportunities in the digital economy. Incl. annexes. 40p. II. Women In Tech Taskforce: ‘Building a Future Tech Sector That Works for Everyone’ Call for Evidence findings. 37p. III. Letters dated 06/07/2026 from Liz Kendall MP to Lord Mair, Chi Onwurah MP and Sarah Owen MP regarding the publication of two reports related to the establishment of the Women in Tech Taskforce. (3 docs).
Document: The_Economic_Impact_of_Equal_Opportunities_in_the_Digital_Economy.pdf (PDF)

Found: representation is more pronounced at senior levels – consistent with attrition patterns documented in DCMS

Wednesday 8th July 2026
Home Office
Source Page: Letter dated 30/06/2026 from Shabana Mahmood MP to Tim Jacques, Independent Prevent Commissioner, regarding response to Lord Anderson's 'Lessons for Prevent' report - including responses to individual recommendations. 9p.
Document: Home_Secretary_to_Tim_Jacques.pdf (PDF)

Found: We are also continuing ongoing work with the DCMS Youth Voice Team to explore practical ways of engaging




Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport mentioned in Scottish results


Scottish Government Publications
Tuesday 7th July 2026

Source Page: Advice and briefings on Historic Environment Scotland sent to Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture: FOI release
Document: FOI 202600514356 - Information released - Documents (PDF)

Found: DCMS expect the launch date of the Inventories to be between 27 Oct and 13 Nov Criteria for inclusion