Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sarah Bool and Ian Murray

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Ian Murray]

There is. We are investing up to £425 million via the creative foundations fund for urgent capital works for not-for-profit cultural venues in England. The funding is already supporting older theatres, such as Scarborough Theatre Trust and Northampton Theatres Trust. I understand that Wyvern theatre’s activities involve Swindon borough council, a commercial operator and a charitable programme via Reach Inclusive Arts. I encourage local partners to discuss capital pressures with Arts Council England and my hon. Friend. I am sure that the Arts Minister would be delighted to meet him and his colleague, my right hon. Friend the Member for Swindon South (Heidi Alexander), to discuss that further.

[Sarah Bool (South Northamptonshire) (Con)]

5. What steps her Department is taking to support owners of listed buildings with the cost of essential repairs and maintenance.