Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on support for businesses operating in the creative industries supply chain which do not qualify for the £1.57 billion support package for cultural and heritage organisations; and if he will make a statement.
The Government recognises the disruptive impact of necessary actions to combat Covid-19 on sectors such as the creative industries. The £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund will provide a lifeline to cultural and creative organisations of international, national and regional importance. The Government has announced unprecedented support for businesses across the economy during the pandemic. This includes Business Interruption Loans and Bounce Back Loans, and a reduction in VAT until March 2021 which will reduce the cost of admission to concerts, theatres, exhibitions and similar events. In addition, the Government has announced the Job Support Scheme to protect viable jobs in businesses which are facing lower demand over the winter months due to Covid-19.