Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of the planned local government reorganisation on the continuance of the funding for arts, cultural and heritage projects and facilities which is currently provided by district and borough councils.

The funding of local cultural services and organisations is a matter for individual local authorities, but the Government strongly supports their doing so, not least because of the significant economic, social, and wellbeing benefits cultural organisations deliver. The Local Government Finance Settlement for 2024–25 makes available up to £64.7 billion for local authorities — an increase in Core Spending Power of up to £4.5 billion or 7.5% in cash terms on 2023–24. This above-inflation increase demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting local authorities. The majority of this funding is not ring-fenced, so local authorities can consider how best to balance their local priorities.

As set out in the Government’s guidance on proposals for unitary local government, areas should consider issues of local identity and cultural and historic importance in working up plans that are in the best interests of the whole area.