Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

The Charity Commission’s recent Charity Sector Risk Assessment noted that hostile foreign states may seek to gain influence in the UK by using charities as a vehicle for promoting their worldview. The Charity Commission is alive to these threats and works with other agencies to protect the sector from the risks of being exploited.

The Charity Commission has a range of powers at its disposal to take action against abuse of charitable status, including freezing bank accounts, directing trustees to take corrective action, or disqualifying trustees. DCMS keeps the Charity Commission’s powers and charity law under regular review and is actively seeking to strengthen the Charity Commission’s powers.

The Charity Commission currently has three statutory inquiries open involving charities with alleged links to Iran: the Islamic Centre of England, Al-Tawheed Charitable Trust and Islamic Human Rights Commission Trust, as well as other non-inquiry casework.

The Charity Commission has guidance on protecting charities from abuse for extremist purposes and earlier this month published updated guidance for charities on the evolving situation in Iran.

The Charity Commission’s recent Charity Sector Risk Assessment noted that hostile foreign states may seek to gain influence in the UK by using charities as a vehicle for promoting their worldview. The Charity Commission is alive to these threats and works with other agencies to protect the sector from the risks of being exploited.

The Charity Commission has a range of powers at its disposal to take action against abuse of charitable status, including freezing bank accounts, directing trustees to take corrective action, or disqualifying trustees. DCMS keeps the Charity Commission’s powers and charity law under regular review and is actively seeking to strengthen the Charity Commission’s powers.

The Charity Commission currently has three statutory inquiries open involving charities with alleged links to Iran: the Islamic Centre of England, Al-Tawheed Charitable Trust and Islamic Human Rights Commission Trust, as well as other non-inquiry casework.

The Charity Commission has guidance on protecting charities from abuse for extremist purposes and earlier this month published updated guidance for charities on the evolving situation in Iran.

Ensuring that music creators are fairly compensated for their work is crucial to the ongoing success of our world-class music industry, as this is what allows them to invest their time, effort, and money into creating music.

As part of the government’s work to explore creators’ concerns related to music streaming, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) commissioned independent research on the impacts of three potential legislative interventions, including equitable remuneration. Based on the evidence and recommendations presented in that research, the government decided not to pursue legislative intervention for equitable remuneration.

We have since worked with key stakeholders from across the music industry on the matter of creators’ pay from music streaming through the Creator Remuneration Working Group. The working group comprised senior representatives from across the recorded music sector, including record labels, music streaming platforms and creator representatives. We were delighted to welcome the new label-led principles as an output of these discussions, as well as the individual commitments made by the UK’s major labels, to deliver real benefits for UK creators. We are monitoring the progress of this work and will evaluate outcomes in 2027.

DCMS is currently in the design stages of the Better Futures Fund and is currently in dialogue with Mayoral Strategic Authorities to assess their capacity for participation in delivery. DCMS intends to launch a dedicated capacity and capability building programme in the autumn this year, that will include ongoing support and information for regional and local commissioners.

DCMS intends to publish eligibility criteria alongside an invitation to bidders in Summer 2026. This will be aimed at projects where all partners have a track record of successful social outcomes partnership delivery. The bidding will target projects and commissioners that are able to launch quickly, with a commensurate application process.

Round 1 bids will be aimed at projects where all partners have a track record of successful social outcomes partnership delivery. DCMS will ensure that appropriate information sharing and engagement is included in the application process, but anticipates working with commissioners with good foreknowledge of social outcomes partnerships.

DCMS is currently in the design stages of the Better Futures Fund and is currently in dialogue with Mayoral Strategic Authorities to assess their capacity for participation in delivery. DCMS intends to launch a dedicated capacity and capability building programme in the autumn this year, that will include ongoing support and information for regional and local commissioners.

DCMS intends to publish eligibility criteria alongside an invitation to bidders in Summer 2026. This will be aimed at projects where all partners have a track record of successful social outcomes partnership delivery. The bidding will target projects and commissioners that are able to launch quickly, with a commensurate application process.

Round 1 bids will be aimed at projects where all partners have a track record of successful social outcomes partnership delivery. DCMS will ensure that appropriate information sharing and engagement is included in the application process, but anticipates working with commissioners with good foreknowledge of social outcomes partnerships.

DCMS is currently in the design stages of the Better Futures Fund and is currently in dialogue with Mayoral Strategic Authorities to assess their capacity for participation in delivery. DCMS intends to launch a dedicated capacity and capability building programme in the autumn this year, that will include ongoing support and information for regional and local commissioners.

DCMS intends to publish eligibility criteria alongside an invitation to bidders in Summer 2026. This will be aimed at projects where all partners have a track record of successful social outcomes partnership delivery. The bidding will target projects and commissioners that are able to launch quickly, with a commensurate application process.

Round 1 bids will be aimed at projects where all partners have a track record of successful social outcomes partnership delivery. DCMS will ensure that appropriate information sharing and engagement is included in the application process, but anticipates working with commissioners with good foreknowledge of social outcomes partnerships.

The National Youth Strategy announced our commitment to developing and growing a skilled and sustainable paid and volunteer youth sector workforce. To achieve this, we are investing £15 million over the next three years.

The Youth Worker Bursary Fund removes financial barriers for individuals, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to gain accredited qualifications. The DCMS is continuing to fund this programme during the next financial year.

DCMS has not had discussions with the Restoration and Renewal Client board on the Parliamentary Education Centre.

Terms have been agreed for a new lease for the Parliamentary Education Centre until the end of 2030.

The Department conducted an evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. The evaluation included an extensive survey of current and past scheme users and is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-listed-places-of-worship-scheme-final-report. The evaluation did not specifically assess the potential impact of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on communities in South Suffolk constituency. However, I can confirm that since August 2022, 146 claims have been paid to listed places of worship in the South Suffolk constituency to a value of £788,456.

On 22nd January the Department announced a new capital fund, the Places of Worship Renewal Fund which will provide support for a range of works. This will have an annual budget of £23m starting in 2026/27. This is providing certainty for the remaining years of the Spending Review until 2029/30, providing £92m over the period. Support will be targeted at places of most need. Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process, will be published in due course.

We have reset our relationship with the European Union and are determined to improve the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the EU and help our touring artists. This is in full recognition of the challenges that creative and cultural professionals, and their support staff, face when touring in Europe.

On 19 May 2025, the first ever Summit between the UK and EU was held. At the Summit, the UK and European Commission recognised the value of cultural exchange, including the activities of touring artists.

We continue to engage with the European Commission, Members of the European Parliament and the sector, both in the UK and across Europe, with a view to addressing the challenges that touring artists and their support staff face. This is mutually beneficial - it will help our artists to contribute to Europe’s rich cultural landscape and support shared growth.

We are also working with the EU and Member States to promote wider cultural exchange to further the UK-EU strategic partnership.

The government welcomes the continued success of this fund, which expands domestic touring into new areas. This investment will enrich our cultural landscape and boost local economies by bringing popular productions to communities nationwide, allowing more people to enjoy the arts locally.

The second round of this pilot makes £2.9 million available to enable more mid-to-large-scale theatre and dance productions to tour. The funding aims at giving venues and producers the capacity to create, tour, and programme a wider range of work, providing audiences with more opportunities to see a greater range of quality dance and theatre productions at scale.

It’s great to see such excellent productions as Dear England, Fiddler on the Roof and Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of) being enjoyed across the country in part thanks to this fund.

Arts Council England has commissioned AMION Consulting to undertake a process evaluation and an assessment of the impact of the scheme across the pilot rounds, including an assessment of the economic and social impact of the programme.

The government’s full response to Baroness Hodge’s independent review of Arts Council England was published on 26 March and deposited in the House Library.

DCMS recognises the vital role outdoor visitor attractions play in the UK’s visitor economy. These sites, ranging from world-leading zoos and theme parks to historic gardens, contribute to regional investment, local employment and often support learning and biodiversity conservation.

At this time, DCMS has not made a specific assessment of the potential financial impact of digital weather forecasting on outdoor visitor attractions. The Government is aware of the concerns raised by the sector regarding how these forecasts can influence visitor behaviour, including the recent campaign led by Chester Zoo.

My department continues to represent the interests of the visitor economy across Government and my officials are engaged on this matter. This includes membership of the Public Weather Service (PWS) Customer Group. This Group has been working closely with the Met Office to strengthen the focus on supporting the outdoor economy, including the visitor economy. More broadly, I remain committed to maintaining a close and constructive dialogue with industry representatives to ensure the visitor economy continues to thrive.

DCMS recognises the vital role outdoor visitor attractions play in the UK’s visitor economy. These sites, ranging from world-leading zoos and theme parks to historic gardens, contribute to regional investment, local employment and often support learning and biodiversity conservation.

At this time, DCMS has not made a specific assessment of the potential financial impact of digital weather forecasting on outdoor visitor attractions. The Government is aware of the concerns raised by the sector regarding how these forecasts can influence visitor behaviour, including the recent campaign led by Chester Zoo.

My department continues to represent the interests of the visitor economy across Government and my officials are engaged on this matter. This includes membership of the Public Weather Service (PWS) Customer Group. This Group has been working closely with the Met Office to strengthen the focus on supporting the outdoor economy, including the visitor economy. More broadly, I remain committed to maintaining a close and constructive dialogue with industry representatives to ensure the visitor economy continues to thrive.

Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy, will put young people from all backgrounds in the driving seat when it comes to decisions that affect their own lives.

We are committed to being accountable to young people, their parents/carers, sector partners, and the wider public to deliver this strategy.

Every year, our department will invite a diverse group of young people to run a national hearing on the delivery of the strategy. This process will be co-designed with young people. We will also publish an interim delivery progress report in 2027.

In September 2023 DCMS published updated statutory guidance to support local authorities’ understanding of the existing duty and how to deliver it. In the longer-term, we will explore reviewing the current local authorities’ statutory duty for youth services to empower them to better deliver on their responsibilities for youth services. The timeline for this review is not yet finalised.

The National Youth Strategy will put young people from all backgrounds in the driving seat when it comes to decisions that affect their lives.

We are committed to being accountable to young people, their parents/carers, sector partners, and the wider public to deliver this strategy. To assess the impact, we will hold an annual youth-led national hearing to discuss progress and priorities. We will also publish an interim delivery progress report in 2027.

We will also be evaluating the National Youth Strategy's delivery and impact with England-wide metrics, and DCMS reporting across programmes. This will help us identify successful approaches and areas for improvement and explore opportunities to enhance our work.

We will be engaging with local authorities and partners across the country to amplify youth voices through Youth Councils and other mechanisms, so that a diverse range of young people have a role in shaping decisions that affect their lives.

This may look different in every place, and we are eager to work with young people to co-design what this looks like in their local area, including Crewe and Nantwich.

The reporting and governance process across government will allow young people to hold us to account on what we are doing. This will be through a national hearing by young people every year to discuss progress and priorities on the delivery of the strategy.

The information requested relating to gambling operators and their overseas operators could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating gambling in Great Britain. It is for operators to satisfy themselves that they are acting in a lawful manner in other jurisdictions and for authorities in those jurisdictions to investigate if they are not.

The compliance with legal requirements in overseas jurisdictions is a question for the respective judicial authorities to investigate if operators are not compliant. Where a licensee is found to be operating illegally, the Commission may consider their suitability to hold a licence to offer gambling services in Great Britain.

The information requested relating to gambling operators and their overseas operators could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating gambling in Great Britain. It is for operators to satisfy themselves that they are acting in a lawful manner in other jurisdictions and for authorities in those jurisdictions to investigate if they are not.

The compliance with legal requirements in overseas jurisdictions is a question for the respective judicial authorities to investigate if operators are not compliant. Where a licensee is found to be operating illegally, the Commission may consider their suitability to hold a licence to offer gambling services in Great Britain.

The information requested relating to gambling operators and their overseas operators could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating gambling in Great Britain. It is for operators to satisfy themselves that they are acting in a lawful manner in other jurisdictions and for authorities in those jurisdictions to investigate if they are not.

The compliance with legal requirements in overseas jurisdictions is a question for the respective judicial authorities to investigate if operators are not compliant. Where a licensee is found to be operating illegally, the Commission may consider their suitability to hold a licence to offer gambling services in Great Britain.

The information requested relating to gambling operators and their overseas operators could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating gambling in Great Britain. It is for operators to satisfy themselves that they are acting in a lawful manner in other jurisdictions and for authorities in those jurisdictions to investigate if they are not.

The compliance with legal requirements in overseas jurisdictions is a question for the respective judicial authorities to investigate if operators are not compliant. Where a licensee is found to be operating illegally, the Commission may consider their suitability to hold a licence to offer gambling services in Great Britain.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Labour Force Survey (LFS) and Annual Population Survey (APS) capture everybody who is in work, with further detail about the type of work and contractual arrangements, which allow better understanding of different employment circumstances such as freelancing. The LFS and APS use the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2007 and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020 frameworks for capturing the industry and occupation of responders. These aim to be comprehensive and for everyone who is in work to allocate the respondent an occupation, which will include those in crafts and visual arts, and an industry, such as "creative, arts and entertainment activities". In terms of the adequacy of the statistics themselves, the estimates available for those occupations on LFS/APS depends on having sufficient levels of response and any measures of accuracy calculated for estimates generated by users.

However, we recognise that the current definition of crafts using SIC2007 does not fully capture the crafts sector and does not adequately meet all of our stakeholder needs. As part of the ONS revision of the UK SIC framework, we have worked with stakeholders and the ONS to improve the way that DCMS sectors, including crafts and visual arts, are classified. As a result of this work, the updated proposed SIC2026 framework published by the ONS in February 2026 includes a new SIC code for “Physical three dimensional visual arts and craft creation activities” which will improve the identification of the crafts sector. The final framework will be published by the ONS on 31 March.

As part of the DCMS Sector Economic Estimates series, DCMS publishes official statistics on the number of self-employed jobs in DCMS sectors, including crafts and visual arts, which form part of the creative industries. These statistics are based on ONS data from the LFS and APS.

We have engaged with the ONS to understand the impact of reduced sample sizes of the LFS and APS on the quality of ONS labour market data and, in turn, the impact on the quality of our DCMS employment estimates.

The UK’s creative industries generated £145.8 billion in GVA in 2024 — 5.6% of the economy — with film, TV, radio and photography contributing £23.5 billion. The sector’s growth and global strengths position the UK to lead in film and television production. To realise that ambition, we need a skilled and sustainable workforce. That is why our Sector Plan designates film, TV and video games as a frontier industry, signalling their priority status for future investment and support.

From April 2026, a £75 million Screen Growth Package will support independent UK content, attract inward investment and expand skills development, creating more jobs and greater long‑term stability across the sector. The Sector Plan also boosts access to finance through the British Business Bank, expanded debt and equity options, and tailored support for producers.

We are raising standards across the sector by acting on the Good Work Review, establishing the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and supporting the BFI’s £1.5 million WorkWise for Screen programme. Freelancers will have a stronger voice through a new Creative Freelance Champion, while the Employment Rights Act 2025 will tackle late payments, guarantee written contracts and extend health and safety protections.

We are also strengthening the skills and talent pipeline through major investment: expanding the National Film and Television School, scaling up the BFI Film Academy and delivering £725 million through the next phase of the Growth and Skills Levy, including fully funded SME apprenticeships for eligible under‑25s. From April 2026, new short courses in digital, AI and engineering will support Industrial Strategy sectors, complemented by work with DWP and Skills England to ensure training genuinely reflects the needs of creative employers.

The Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating society lotteries and Local Authority lotteries under the Gambling Act 2005.

Society lotteries licensed by the Commission are required to publish information about their lotteries, including a breakdown (estimated or actual) of how they use proceeds. The Commission also outlines regulatory expectations for society lotteries, including ensuring information on prizes available to enable consumers to make an informed choice to participate in a lottery. This includes how proceeds are used, the likelihood of winning a prize, and how prizes are allocated.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, all society lotteries, whether subscription-based or those selling tickets for individual draws, are subject to per draw and annual sales limits.

Local radio continues to bring communities together by reflecting local experiences and delivering local news and information. However, it does so against a backdrop of changing listener behavior. According to RAJAR’s Q4 data on radio listening, only 20% of commercial radio listening is now on AM or FM, whilst digital listening accounts for 75% of all UK radio listening.

In light of this, the Media Act 2024 removed detailed requirements that only applied to stations holding AM and FM commercial radio licences and set out how their local services should be operated. These were replaced with new obligations that prioritise securing local news and information - a key part of the public value of radio. Ofcom has recently published new guidance which sets out how stations should meet these obligations.

The government fully supports the growth of independent commercial services on DAB digital radio. Ofcom announced on 11 March that the 100th small-scale DAB digital multiplex was launched in East Devon, under their nationwide rollout of this innovative technology. The rollout of local small-scale DAB has increased the opportunities for local and community radio services to provide local audiences with tailored content of a distinct local character, and thereby support local jobs in the radio sector.

There are a range of measures in place to safeguard the operation of UK broadcasters, including our public service broadcasters.

For example, under the Enterprise Act 2002, the Secretary of State has a quasi-judicial role on any merger or sale relating to media enterprises if it meets the necessary thresholds, and can intervene on public interest grounds as set out in the Act. These include ensuring media plurality, protecting the range of high quality broadcasting available in the UK; and securing broadcasting standards.

This is in addition to the role of Competition and Markets Authority which has the authority to intervene if it determines a deal would substantially lessen competition. This action can include remedies, enforcement measures, requiring changes to the agreement, or, in some instances, blocking the deal entirely.

Under the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996, Ofcom has an ongoing duty to be satisfied that any person holding a broadcasting licence is, and remains, fit and proper to hold those licences. In making a fit and proper assessment, Ofcom can consider all relevant circumstances, including the broadcaster’s own conduct, and the behaviour of people who exercise material influence or control over the broadcaster.

The total value of severance payments is set out in the department’s Annual Report and Accounts, which are available for the last three years.

This government is launching a new capital fund to support listed places of worship, the Places of Worship Renewal Fund. This will have an annual budget of £23m starting in 2026/27. This is providing certainty for the remaining years of the Spending Review until 2029/30, providing £92m over the period. Support will be targeted at places of most need. Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process, will be published in due course.

Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process for the Places of Worship Renewal Fund will be published in due course.

Heritage funding is a devolved matter. However, listed places of worship in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have benefitted from VAT rebate grants from the UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which ran from 2001 to 2026.

At Spending Reviews, the Devolved Governments receive Barnett consequentials as a proportion of overall departmental settlements, not specific funding lines or programmes. In last year’s Spending Review, Barnett consequentials were confirmed for Devolved Governments in the usual way, taking into account the overall DCMS allocation, which includes capital funding for the England only Places of Worship Renewal Fund. Decisions on how this funding is spent are for the Devolved Governments to take.

We are working closely with other funders in the sector to ensure that opportunities for funding places of worship throughout the UK are maximised. The NLHF already offers grants for places of worship across all the UK and is currently investing £100m over 3 years through National Lottery Heritage Grants and a strategic initiative designed to provide targeted support to build capacity.

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund, a new capital fund announced on 22 January 2026, will have an annual budget of £23m starting in 2026/27. This is providing certainty for the remaining years of the Spending Review until 2029/30, providing £92m over the period.

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund is a new capital fund announced on 22 January 2026. This will have an annual budget of £23m starting in 2026/27. This is providing certainty for the remaining years of the Spending Review until 2029/30, providing £92m over the period. Support will be targeted at places of most need. Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process, will be published in due course. The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will award grants for projects to cover capital works, rather than just the VAT element of a project, as is the case with the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. In some cases the amount granted could be greater than just the VAT element currently funded.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has not paid for followers on any of its corporate social media accounts.

In January, the DCMS Secretary of State announced a historic £1.5 billion funding package for culture, to save more than 1000 arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across England from closure. £160 million of this funding is earmarked for local museums. Many museums face financial challenges, and we take their concerns seriously: this year alone (2025/26), we have delivered £20 million through the new Museum Renewal Fund, supporting 75 museum organisations across England to keep sites open, and allocated £25.5 million towards essential infrastructure projects via the Museum Estate and Development Fund. This investment doubles the £44 million that Arts Council England invests annually in museums through their core funding programmes, including core funding for over 200 National Portfolio museum sites.

In the coming weeks, DCMS and ACE will set out how museums can apply for new funding programmes available from next financial year. As the National Development Agency for museums, ACE also provides critical support for smaller museum sites via the Museum Development Network. Museums also benefit from further support, via the VAT Refund Scheme and Exhibitions Tax Relief. DCMS-sponsored national museums receive annual funding to support their operations and for critical infrastructure works.

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will have a budget of £23 million per year. The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will award grants for projects to cover capital works, rather than just the VAT element of a project, as is the case with the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. In some cases the amount granted could be greater than just the VAT element currently funded.

In addition to the forthcoming Places of Worship Renewal Fund there is other funding available via DCMS and the Department’s arm’s length bodies. Between 2024 and 2027 the National Lottery Heritage Fund expects to have invested around £100m in places of worship. Around £30m a year is available through their National Lottery Heritage Grants open programme and an additional £15million is available through a strategic initiative to provide targeted support to build capacity in the sector. Additionally, and in exceptional circumstances, some listed places of worship in England may be eligible for Heritage at Risk funding via Historic England.

The Government recognises that trust in and independence of the levy system are crucial. We have appointed expert public bodies to lead on research, prevention and treatment of gambling related harm. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and NHS England, together with appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales, are responsible for day-to-day levy spending. These bodies have set up their own governance arrangements and conflict of interest policies to ensure these decisions are independent of industry and led by the evidence of what works.

Furthermore, the Gambling Levy Programme Board oversees the statutory levy system to ensure that funding is being spent appropriately and efficiently. The Terms of Reference for the Board can be found on GOV.UK.

A TV licence is currently required to watch live TV, and to watch or download any BBC programme on iPlayer. Households are therefore already required to hold a TV licence to watch live TV on a subscription-based streaming service.

The Government launched the BBC Charter Review last year. As part of the BBC Charter Review, we are looking at a range of options to support the BBC with sustainable and fair funding, including how the BBC can operate more efficiently, generate more commercial revenue, and how the licence fee could be reformed including the scope of services for which a TV licence is required.

The Government is now considering responses to the public consultation, and these will inform policy decisions for the next BBC Royal Charter. These will be set out in a White Paper, expected to be published later this year.

The TV Licensing website states that in 2024/25, approximately 72 million items of mail for TV Licensing were sent. This information is published at https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/about/foi-administering-the-licence-fee-AB20

The BBC is responsible for the collection and enforcement of the licence fee. The Government is therefore not involved in TV Licensing operations and we do not hold exact information on the number of letters it sends to households, or how many of these would relate to enforcement.

The Government is committed to ensuring a healthy and plural local media for the benefit of communities and citizens across the UK. We have launched a Local Media Action Plan to help local newsrooms across the country innovate and adapt their business models for the online world, while incentivising and encouraging the production of high quality, trustworthy news.

Local media already has a strong propensity to innovate and many local publishers are shifting towards digital subscription models in an effort to secure their financial sustainability. This is an understandable response to the financial pressures faced by the industry and a reflection of the significant costs involved in provision of high quality journalism.

The purpose of the subscriptions regime set out in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act is to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscriptions. Government has consulted on how the regime will be implemented, and I have engaged alongside the Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection with representatives from the news media sector and other DCMS stakeholders on this consultation. More broadly, DCMS continues to work closely with the Department for Business and Trade to reflect on the issues raised during the consultation and a Government Response will be published in due course.

The government’s full response to Baroness Hodge’s independent review of Arts Council England was published on 26 March and deposited in the House Library.

DCMS officials engage with the sector on the impacts of regulation. DCMS will continue to engage with DHSC on the removal of exemptions for temporary sporting and cultural events to ensure impacts to event delivery are mitigated as far as possible in line with the policy recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

The Government is committed to supporting grassroots sport clubs, which play an important role within communities across the country.

The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport clubs through our Arm’s Length Body, Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery Funding.

Through its Movement Fund, Sport England allocates funding to grassroots sports clubs primarily based on their ability to deliver against the aims set out in their ‘Uniting the Movement’ strategy around getting more people active, reducing the number of inactive people and tackling long-standing inequalities. Sport England’s website provides transparency data about how their funding is invested.

This Government has agreed an important new deal that will open up opportunities for people to study, live and learn in the EU through our reassociation into the Erasmus+ programme in 2027.

We have noted the report published on 26 February 2026 by LEAP Sports Scotland regarding the benefits of Erasmus+. The government recognises the value of international exchange and will consider all relevant evidence as we prepare for reassociation.

Our approach to EU relations will always respect the role of the devolved governments and legislatures. We are working closely with colleagues in the devolved governments to achieve this.