Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Government plans to introduce targeted support for cinemas that are (a) open and (b) closed during the covid-19 outbreak.

The government recognises the significant cultural and economic value of cinemas, and has supported them through sector-specific and economy-wide support.

Cinemas have been able to benefit from the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until March 31 2021, which sees employees receive 80% of their usual salary for hours not worked up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. In addition, the government has further supported cinemas through the VAT cut on tickets and concessions and a business rates holiday. We recognise how tough the measures are for people and businesses in Tier 3, and businesses in England that are forced to close will receive up to £3,000 for each 28 day period affected.

On a sector-specific level, as part of the £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations, independent cinemas are eligible for a share of £30m of this package. Funding has previously started to be allocated to cinemas across England and we will be making a further announcement on funding allocations in due course.