Arts Council: Spending Outside London

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Lord Stirrup

Thursday 20th November 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, that Select Committee report was interesting. I assure your Lordships that its contents will be looked at thoroughly by DCMS Ministers. There is £720 million of local authority money—that is, taxpayers’ money—going into the arts. That is a lot of money. I know that times are difficult, but they are doing very well with that amount.

[Lord Stirrup (CB)]

My Lords, did the Minister see the chair of the Arts Council’s recent article, which stressed how investment in arts and culture can help to stimulate in our cities not just social success but economic success, and does he agree with that position?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

I wholeheartedly endorse what the noble and gallant Lord has said. In fact, the department is very conscious of the economic, social and intrinsic value of arts and heritage. That is part of the work that the department is undertaking.