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 the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the suitability of the NHS Health Survey in assessing problem gambling rates in the United Kingdom.

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

The Government is committed to reviewing all official statistics assessing gambling harm in the United Kingdom to help to build our picture of gambling harm. This includes the NHS Health Survey, and we will continue to engage with relevant officials in the Department for Health and Social Care about the NHS Health Survey and the evidence it provides on gambling harm.

We are aware that the harms that can ensue from harmful gambling are many and diverse and we will use all available evidence to better understand the impact that harmful gambling can have on people. Considering the NHS Health Survey alongside the Gambling Commission’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain provides us with a wider understanding of the potential consequences that can arise from gambling and ensures that we have more frequent statistics on gambling harm rates. Policy and regulatory change is not based on single statistics or evidence sources, and we will continue to use evidence from a range of sources to assess harmful gambling in the United Kingdom.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government how long they estimate it will be before money for both existing and new youth projects is made available as part of the National Youth Strategy; and what are the timescales projected for new youth projects to be up and running.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government will publish the National Youth Strategy in 2025. In the interim, in 2025/26 we are increasing the total funding for other DCMS youth programmes, excluding the National Citizen Service programmes which we will be winding down from March 2025. Funding allocations for specific programmes will be communicated in due course.

This will include allocating over £85m of capital funding to create fit-for-purpose, welcoming spaces for young people, with the new Better Youth Spaces fund allocating at least £26m for youth clubs to buy new equipment and do renovations. This capital funding also allows for the completion of the Youth Investment Fund programme.

We will also launch the Local Youth Transformation pilot, which will test a new way of working and supporting local authorities, providing a package of support to assess, improve and invest in impactful local youth offers to build back lost capacity and sow the seeds for a much-needed rejuvenation of local youth services.

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 prevent children participating in gambling via online video games.

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

Protecting children and young people from being harmed or exploited by gambling is a core priority for the Government and a Gambling Commission objective. Under the Gambling Act 2005, gambling is defined as playing a game of chance for a prize of money or money's worth. Gambling-like features in video games, such as loot boxes, do not meet this legal definition of gambling.

We are aware that there are instances where third party websites allow players to gamble using prizes that can be transferred in and out of some video games. Where these instances of illegal gambling are identified, the Gambling Commission takes swift action to disrupt these websites and protect players. The Government and the Gambling Commission continue to pay close attention to novel and emergent forms of gambling and gambling-like products, including within video games, to ensure that appropriate regulation is in place.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have provided funds to support trainee schemes operated by the Irish Language Broadcast Fund; if so, what trainee schemes are being operated; and how many people have received training through those schemes.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Irish Language Broadcast Fund was set up in 2004/5 with funding provided to Northern Ireland Screen from the UK Government via the Northern Ireland Executive’s Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Since 2011/12, Northern Ireland Screen has received UK Government funding via the British Film Institute.

The Ulster Scots Broadcast Fund was set up in 2011/12 and also receives UK Government funding via the British Film Institute.

The table below sets out the amount of money allocated to both funds since they were established.

Figures for 2004/05 to 2010/11 have been provided by Northern Ireland Screen. Figures for 2011/12 onwards are set out in the British Film Institute’s annual reports and accounts.

As part of the allocations set out above, in May 2021 the Northern Ireland Office announced an extra £2 million in funding to mark the fulfillment of a UK Government commitment in the New Decade, New Approach agreement that was agreed in January 2020 and saw the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive. The extra funding was provided through DCMS and the British Film Institute and was split equally between both funds.

The 2023/24 and 2024/25 figures for Northern Ireland Screen’s funding for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and Ulster Scots Broadcast Fund will be published via the British Film Institute’s annual report and accounts. The British Film Institute’s 2023/24 annual report and accounts will be published in due course.

The Irish Language Broadcast Fund offers several training opportunities for Irish speakers working or aspiring to work in the independent production sector in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Screen is responsible for the allocation of funding to such schemes, and how they are operated.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government how much money they have allocated to the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund in each year since each of these funds was established.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Irish Language Broadcast Fund was set up in 2004/5 with funding provided to Northern Ireland Screen from the UK Government via the Northern Ireland Executive’s Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Since 2011/12, Northern Ireland Screen has received UK Government funding via the British Film Institute.

The Ulster Scots Broadcast Fund was set up in 2011/12 and also receives UK Government funding via the British Film Institute.

The table below sets out the amount of money allocated to both funds since they were established.

Figures for 2004/05 to 2010/11 have been provided by Northern Ireland Screen. Figures for 2011/12 onwards are set out in the British Film Institute’s annual reports and accounts.

As part of the allocations set out above, in May 2021 the Northern Ireland Office announced an extra £2 million in funding to mark the fulfillment of a UK Government commitment in the New Decade, New Approach agreement that was agreed in January 2020 and saw the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive. The extra funding was provided through DCMS and the British Film Institute and was split equally between both funds.

The 2023/24 and 2024/25 figures for Northern Ireland Screen’s funding for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and Ulster Scots Broadcast Fund will be published via the British Film Institute’s annual report and accounts. The British Film Institute’s 2023/24 annual report and accounts will be published in due course.

The Irish Language Broadcast Fund offers several training opportunities for Irish speakers working or aspiring to work in the independent production sector in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Screen is responsible for the allocation of funding to such schemes, and how they are operated.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the costs of ending the National Citizen Service.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

This Government is committed to delivering an orderly transition following the decision to wind down the NCS programme from March 2025 and close the NCS Trust when parliamentary time allows.

DCMS is currently working closely with the NCS Trust to agree the full costs of winding down the programme, and closing the NCS Trust.

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 the potential impact of (a) arts and (b) creative activities on the health of (i) children and (ii) babies in socially deprived communities.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS has carried out a range of work to research the impact of arts and creativity upon health. For instance, through the Culture and Heritage Capital (CHC) Programme, the Department has recently published a new study that monetises the impact of culture and heritage engagement on health and wellbeing. This draws on evidence for a range of groups, including children and young people. While the report is not specifically about children from socially deprived communities, its findings are striking. For example, one model within the research finds that general engagement with culture and heritage for adults aged 30-49 has annual health and wellbeing benefits worth £992 per person and £8bn to wider society each year. Specifically for children, another model finds that participating in art can have benefits worth £134 per child per year in terms of improvements to quality of life and self esteem, worth £120mn per year to society.

The research highlights one of the many reasons that Government invests to support arts and creativity, including activity with children and young people. For example, one third of organisations supported through Arts Council England's National Portfolio Investment Programme (334 Organisations) report that they deliver “creative health” activity, including 121 who support the health of children and young people.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to implementing a similar policy for gambling advertising to the recently announced ban on junk food advertising before 9pm.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As I set out in my speech at the GambleAware conference on 4 December, I want to see the gambling industry further raise standards to ensure that levels of gambling advertising does not exacerbate harm. This work will be monitored closely.

There are a range of robust rules in place to ensure that gambling adverts, wherever they appear, are socially responsible with provisions specifically designed to protect children. As part of the UK Advertising Codes, adverts must not be placed in children’s media and advertisers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that under-18s are excluded from their targeted marketing. As the statutory regulator for gambling in Great Britain, the Gambling Commission requires all licensed operators to abide by the Advertising Codes. As part of the Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising, gambling adverts, with exception of bingo and lotteries, cannot be shown during pre-watershed hours. Gambling operators cannot allow their logos or any other promotional material to appear on any commercial merchandising designed for children, including on children’s replica shirts.

The Government’s steps to restrict the advertising of less healthy food and drink is part of the commitment to tackle the childhood obesity crisis. The Government is also committed to strengthening protections to ensure that people can reduce the risks that can ensue from harmful gambling. We are committed to reviewing the best available evidence on the impact of gambling advertising from a wide range of sources in order to ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendation by the World Health Organization on 2 December to implement a public health approach to prevent gambling harm, including ending gambling advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of sports and other cultural activities.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Department has noted the World Health Organization’s recommendations around gambling advertising. We are committed to reviewing the best available evidence on the impact of gambling advertising, including around sport, from a wide range of sources in order to ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk.

As I set out in my speech at the GambleAware conference on 4 December, I want to see the gambling industry further raise standards to ensure that levels of gambling advertising does not exacerbate harm. We will be monitoring this work closely.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of the impact that banning gambling advertising before 9pm would have on reducing gambling harms among under 18s.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As I set out in my speech at the GambleAware conference on 4 December, I want to see the gambling industry further raise standards to ensure that levels of gambling advertising does not exacerbate harm. This work will be monitored closely.

There are a range of robust rules in place to ensure that gambling adverts, wherever they appear, are socially responsible with provisions specifically designed to protect children. As part of the UK Advertising Codes, adverts must not be placed in children’s media and advertisers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that under-18s are excluded from their targeted marketing. As the statutory regulator for gambling in Great Britain, the Gambling Commission requires all licensed operators to abide by the Advertising Codes. As part of the Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising, gambling adverts, with exception of bingo and lotteries, cannot be shown during pre-watershed hours. Gambling operators cannot allow their logos or any other promotional material to appear on any commercial merchandising designed for children, including on children’s replica shirts.

The Government’s steps to restrict the advertising of less healthy food and drink is part of the commitment to tackle the childhood obesity crisis. The Government is also committed to strengthening protections to ensure that people can reduce the risks that can ensue from harmful gambling. We are committed to reviewing the best available evidence on the impact of gambling advertising from a wide range of sources in order to ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government on what basis they decided to set the statutory levy on gambling operators for land-based adult gaming centres at a different rate to that for casinos and other comparable land-based operators.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As set out in the Government’s response to the consultation on the statutory levy, we want to ensure levy rates are charged fairly, proportionately, and in a way which accounts for the higher fixed operating costs, levels of harm associated with some products compared to others, and the licensing regime.

We will conduct a formal review of the levy system within 5 years, where the structure and health of the levy system will be assessed. We also recognise that the needs, demands and priorities of the system may change over time, and are committed to regularly monitoring the system to ensure it is delivering on its objectives. Should we see evidence of issues in the system, we will take appropriate action.

As I set out in my speech at the GambleAware conference on 4 December, I want to see the gambling industry further raise standards to ensure that levels of gambling advertising does not exacerbate harm. This work will be monitored closely. We are also committed to reviewing the best available evidence on the impact of gambling advertising from a wide range of sources in order to ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to their response to the consultation on the structure, distribution and governance of the statutory levy on gambling operators, updated on 27 November, what plans they have to ban gambling advertising.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As set out in the Government’s response to the consultation on the statutory levy, we want to ensure levy rates are charged fairly, proportionately, and in a way which accounts for the higher fixed operating costs, levels of harm associated with some products compared to others, and the licensing regime.

We will conduct a formal review of the levy system within 5 years, where the structure and health of the levy system will be assessed. We also recognise that the needs, demands and priorities of the system may change over time, and are committed to regularly monitoring the system to ensure it is delivering on its objectives. Should we see evidence of issues in the system, we will take appropriate action.

As I set out in my speech at the GambleAware conference on 4 December, I want to see the gambling industry further raise standards to ensure that levels of gambling advertising does not exacerbate harm. This work will be monitored closely. We are also committed to reviewing the best available evidence on the impact of gambling advertising from a wide range of sources in order to ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the appropriate frequency for the review of the structure of the statutory levy on the gambling industry to ensure the levy delivers its objectives.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As set out in the Government’s response to the consultation on the statutory levy, we want to ensure levy rates are charged fairly, proportionately, and in a way which accounts for the higher fixed operating costs, levels of harm associated with some products compared to others, and the licensing regime.

We will conduct a formal review of the levy system within 5 years, where the structure and health of the levy system will be assessed. We also recognise that the needs, demands and priorities of the system may change over time, and are committed to regularly monitoring the system to ensure it is delivering on its objectives. Should we see evidence of issues in the system, we will take appropriate action.

As I set out in my speech at the GambleAware conference on 4 December, I want to see the gambling industry further raise standards to ensure that levels of gambling advertising does not exacerbate harm. This work will be monitored closely. We are also committed to reviewing the best available evidence on the impact of gambling advertising from a wide range of sources in order to ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk.

Found: Gambling 1st Floor 100 Parliament Street London SW1A 2BQ E: enquiries@dcms.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dcms

Found: Gambling 1st Floor 100 Parliament Street London SW1A 2BQ E: enquiries@dcms.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dcms

Found: Gambling 1st Floor 100 Parliament Street London SW1A 2BQ E: enquiries@dcms.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dcms

Found: Gambling 1st Floor 100 Parliament Street London SW1A 2BQ E: enquiries@dcms.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dcms

Found: particular champion of libraries and librarians, serving as a panel expert for Library Services at DCMS

Found: Gambling 1st Floor 100 Parliament Street London SW1A 2BQ E: enquiries@dcms.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dcms