Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the financial sustainability of local theatre, opera and performing arts organisations in the context of rising production and venue costs; and what steps the Government is taking to support such organisations, including those providing arts education opportunities for children and young people.

The Government strongly welcomes Baroness Hodge’s Independent Review of Arts Council England (ACE) and has agreed a roadmap for implementation with ACE.

We are working closely with ACE to implement the Review’s recommendations. Already, ACE has published a strategic framework to replace Let’s Create and published revised guidance for the National Portfolio Investment Programme in September.

On Recommendation 3.1 regarding Theatre Tax Relief, the Government recognises the value of cultural tax reliefs to the sector. DCMS will be providing evidence to HM Treasury to support consideration of these proposals. Any changes to tax policy are made by the Chancellor at fiscal events, in the context of the wider public finances.