DCMS sectors are estimated to account for over a fifth of the UK economy. Without growth from these sectors, the UK would have been in recession for three of the last four years; yet DCMS spends less than 1% of total Government spending. The debate calls for better support and distribution of funds to ensure economic recovery, especially through tailored schemes like VAT relief extension, reinsurance scheme expansion, and a £650 million insurance scheme for live events.

Brennan criticised the Chancellor's approach to supporting freelance musicians and artists during the pandemic, noting that they have been excluded from support schemes. He also called for a Government-backed insurance scheme to restart the live music sector and noted the lack of support for touring in EU countries post-Brexit.

Collins acknowledged substantial government support provided during the pandemic but emphasised the need for ongoing assistance. He highlighted the importance of insurance schemes for events, proposed a financial regulator for football to ensure sustainability, stressed the necessity of the Online Harms Bill for addressing disinformation and hate speech on social media, and discussed challenges faced by the advertising industry due to shifting audience attention towards online platforms.

Expressed gratitude towards DCMS for its efforts during the pandemic. He highlighted that without the culture recovery fund, many cultural institutions would be at risk of closure and job losses. Skidmore urged for a permanent extension of the museums and galleries exhibition tax relief and requested confirmation on capital investment funds for museums.

Acknowledged the cross-party support for the sector but criticised the Government's hesitant approach to financial support. He highlighted job threats faced by museum workers due to privatisation and restructuring at institutions like the National Gallery, urging for a longer-term strategy and more efficient distribution of funds.

Welcomed the Government’s commitment to gigabit-capable broadband, noting a £5 billion pledge for coverage across at least 85% of the country by 2025. Raised concerns about the speed of delivery and funding allocated, highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure in rural communities. Suggested the need for reaffirmation and renewed commitment from the Minister to help remove barriers preventing progress at pace. Also discussed issues related to the BBC licence fee and free licences for over-75s, expressing concern about their impact on elderly households. Mentioned support for grassroots sports and the proposed women’s and girls’ national football centre of excellence.

Called for extending the 5% VAT cut to tickets for live events such as highland games for up to three years. Highlighted the significant contribution of these events to the Scottish economy. Emphasised the need for better support for PAYE freelancers excluded from government schemes and proposed an urgent stopgap grant under the self-employment income support scheme.

Focused on the crisis in the media industry before and during the pandemic. Called for adequate sector-specific support for journalists, especially freelancers, citing the NUJ’s news recovery plan that includes a levy on tech giants to fund public interest journalism. Highlighted job losses at BBC News due to poor funding settlement from the last royal charter review of the BBC. Emphasised the importance of securing a fair deal for freelance journalists through trade union collective bargaining.

McCabe discussed the impact of the pandemic on sports and creative industries in the west midlands. He mentioned Birmingham's preparation for the Commonwealth games, which could boost the local economy by £1 billion. However, he warned about potential job losses and highlighted the need to support freelancers and address barriers faced by creative workers travelling to Europe. McCabe proposed initiatives such as apprenticeships and scholarships in the creative industries and called for a youth investment fund and community radio support.

Hinds focused on the importance of tourism, which accounts for close to 10% of the UK economy. He welcomed previous support measures but urged bold thinking about future strategies, including updates on hotel room capacity and aviation plans. Additionally, he highlighted skills development through T-levels in catering and cultural sectors. Hinds emphasised the need for streamlined destination management organisation (DMO) networks and increased investment in marketing efforts to maintain competitive advantage in source markets.

The culture recovery fund has been vital for local organisations, such as the Sugarmill music venue, The Clay Foundation, VAST Services, B-arts and the Spode Museum Trust. Jo Gideon highlights how these funds have enabled creative activities, digital development, and future income generation, emphasising their role in future-proofing Stoke-on-Trent.

The BBC has supported families during the pandemic by providing advertising-free content for children. Additionally, local arts centres have benefited from direct funding, nurturing talent and giving people access to culture on their doorstep. David Simmonds also calls for proper consideration of how youth investment funds can be deployed in line with local circumstances.

The spending of DCMS has provided crucial financial support to cultural and sporting facilities throughout the pandemic. The Chancellor’s recent Budget announcements will continue to support these sectors in recovery, offering hope to communities like mine in Bury, Ramsbottom, and Tottington. Cultural assets such as the Met theatre, East Lancs railway, and the Lancashire Fusiliers museum have received Government support, improving social and economic life. The extension of the culture recovery fund by £300 million is welcome, placing sport, culture, and heritage at the centre of recovery efforts. Additionally, the announcement of a £150 million community ownership fund will help preserve local cultural assets such as the Co-op theatre in Ramsbottom and Gigg Lane stadium in Bury.

The Government’s support for the cultural sector, including venues like Forum Music Centre and Hippodrome in Darlington, has been invaluable during the pandemic. The culture recovery fund provided £1.57 billion to protect cultural jobs and organisations, with further funding of £700 million announced recently. This support is crucial as venues reopen under the road map to unlock restrictions.

The allocation of £5 billion to DCMS provides an opportunity for rural areas like West Dorset, where average download speeds are below the UK average. The fibre spine programme in Dorset requires £6.5 million, with local funding covering two thirds. A plea is made for £2.54 million from the Government’s budget to help deliver this programme and ensure full recovery from coronavirus for rural areas.

The debate is about the spending of DCMS, emphasising the importance of the creative industries which generate £115 billion in revenue annually. The speaker welcomes a £16 million loan to support rugby league and encourages continued engagement with governing bodies. He also raises concerns about struggling cinemas and advertising sectors due to lost revenues from pre-film ads. The speaker urges for better digital connectivity, cautioning the pace of legislation on high fat, salt and sugar products. He emphasises the need for support in driving post-pandemic recovery.

The MP discusses plans to launch a campaign for a memorial to Dame Vera Lynn and highlights the importance of supporting local charities such as Age UK. He expresses disappointment in the lack of specific assistance from the Chancellor's Budget for the charity sector. The speaker advocates for support for events and creative industries, stressing that many individuals are excluded from financial aid. Additionally, he calls for full-fibre broadband by 2025 and supports Southend's bid for city status to cheer up the nation post-pandemic.

The MP highlights the significant support given by DCMS towards the theatre and performing arts sector, citing examples of grants received. He raises concerns about freelancers in the creative sector who have fallen through gaps in available support due to self-employment status, providing a case study of an affected constituent. The speaker advocates for greater transparency in grant awarding processes and stresses the need for better internet connectivity across various areas.

Culture and sport have been severely impacted by both the pandemic and Brexit. Oxford Economics estimates a £74 billion revenue drop in this sector due to covid. The Creative Industries Federation warns that one fifth of the creative sector—that is more than 400,000 people—face job loss or are at immediate risk. Few enter arts for wealth but rather out of passion; many are facing financial instability and potential career changes. Festivals suffered significantly without necessary insurance support from the UK Government, leading to cancellations like Glastonbury festival. The Scottish government has pledged £30 million to help mitigate challenges faced by those unable to access UK Government support schemes. Brexit poses a long-term threat with reduced funding opportunities for artists in Europe and visa costs hindering free movement. Ministerial responses have been inadequate, demanding urgent bilateral talks to resume cultural exchanges.

The MP criticises the government for failing to fully support creative, culture, and tourism industries during the pandemic. He highlights that despite grand announcements, funds often failed to reach those who needed them most. He praises some aspects of the Government's support schemes but expresses disappointment with the lack of focus on people rather than buildings in initiatives such as the Culture Recovery Fund (CRF). The MP also criticises the Government’s Brexit deal for hindering cultural exchange and touring opportunities within the EU. Additionally, he mentions the need for better broadband access and digital infrastructure to bridge the digital divide exacerbated by the pandemic. He concludes that without proper support from the government, recovery will be bleak.

The Government’s support for DCMS sectors includes the extension of the furlough scheme until September, additional funding through the self-employment income support scheme, a new recovery loan scheme, restart grants for leisure and hospitality businesses, an extended business rates holiday, VAT reduction for hospitality and tourism, and a £65 billion package on top of previous announcements. The Tourism Minister also highlighted plans to publish a tourism recovery plan in spring and discussed sector-specific measures such as the culture recovery fund, film and TV support, and sports winter survival packages. Additionally, efforts are being made to address concerns about insurance for live events and touring restrictions post-Brexit.

Thanked Members for contributions and emphasised the importance of DCMS sectors, expressed disappointment at lack of Treasury representation. Acknowledged cultural recovery fund but called for urgent action on live events insurance, pilots for film and TV recovery, and negotiations with EU on visa arrangements. Urged a root-and-branch review of tourism with proper investment. Stressed that DCMS sectors are entrepreneurial.