Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to review how Arts Council England (a) allocated and (b) announced funding, for the National Portfolio Organisation 2023-26 funding round.

The decisions made by Arts Council England about the allocation of funding for the National Portfolio Organisation 2023-26 funding round were taken at arm's length from HM Government. This is in accordance with the well established process, which is published on the Arts Council’s website and made clear in the guidance for applicants. As such, DCMS does not, nor should it, review individual decisions.

The Department works with all its public bodies, including Arts Council England, on continuous improvements and assurance. My officials will work with Arts Council England to learn from this recent funding round, as they would for any area of its work.