Arts Funding in North-East England

Debate between Viscount Younger of Leckie and Lord Shipley

Wednesday 28th November 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Shipley]

My Lords, can I draw the attention of the Minister to the latest annual report from Arts Council England, which confirms that just over half of its support to regularly funded organisations went to organisations in London? Does he agree that just a small percentage switch in the balance of funding could have a profoundly beneficial effect on the English regions and should therefore be made?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

My noble friend makes a good point, and much is being done to encourage funding in the arts outside London. I am delighted to report today that a report has been produced called Philanthropy Beyond London, written by the chair of the Birmingham Opera Company. The report makes 19 recommendations to regional cultural organisations, the Government and Arts Council England to take matters forward.