Asked by: Earl of Clancarty (Crossbench - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of the planned local government reorganisation on the continuance of the funding for arts, cultural and heritage projects and facilities which is currently provided by district and borough councils.
Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The funding of local cultural services and organisations is a matter for individual local authorities, but the Government strongly supports their doing so, not least because of the significant economic, social, and wellbeing benefits cultural organisations deliver. The Local Government Finance Settlement for 2024–25 makes available up to £64.7 billion for local authorities — an increase in Core Spending Power of up to £4.5 billion or 7.5% in cash terms on 2023–24. This above-inflation increase demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting local authorities. The majority of this funding is not ring-fenced, so local authorities can consider how best to balance their local priorities.
As set out in the Government’s guidance on proposals for unitary local government, areas should consider issues of local identity and cultural and historic importance in working up plans that are in the best interests of the whole area.
Asked by: Earl of Clancarty (Crossbench - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to support the regeneration of seaside towns.
Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Every town and city across the country has a vital contribution to make to our economy and we are committed to transferring power out of Westminster, and into local communities. We will give local leaders – including those in coastal communities – a range of new powers and tools to kickstart their economies and transform their neighbourhoods and high streets.
Our English Devolution Bill will support coastal communities, empowering them with a strong new ‘right to buy’ beloved community assets, such as empty shops, pubs, and community spaces. We will also introduce a registration scheme for short-term lets to protect the spirit and fabric of communities and let them reap the benefits of thriving tourism. Details of this, and future policy on holiday lets, will be published in due course.