Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what progress has been made on implementing the recommendations of the independent review of Arts Council England by Baroness Margaret Hodge, published December 2025; and what progress has been made on recommendation 3.1 relating to amendments to Theatre Tax Relief to include additional costs of touring.

The Government strongly welcomes Baroness Hodge’s Independent Review of Arts Council England (ACE) and has 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.