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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete being present on heritage buildings that serve as (a) museums and (b) galleries; and if she will take steps to support their restoration.

Individual building owners are responsible for health and safety, including responding to safety alerts such as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). DCMS is in regular contact with museum and gallery sector bodies, who have consulted their members and report that RAAC is not a widespread issue.

The department funds the Museum Estate and Development Fund through Arts Council England. The Fund makes substantial grants of up to £5 million to support infrastructure works and repairs, and RAAC mitigation works are eligible. DCMS Arm’s Length Bodies also provide a variety of Capital funds, resilience grant schemes, and expert buildings advice to the museums sector.