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Digital, Culture, Media and Sport: Support Measures
08 October 2020
Lead MP
Julian Knight
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationCulture, Media & SportBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 30
At a Glance
Julian Knight raised concerns about digital, culture, media and sport: support measures in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The debate focuses on the severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on various sectors such as arts, culture, sports and tourism in the UK. The speaker highlights that many businesses within these sectors face a complete shutdown due to Government restrictions and have not been able to access sufficient support from the Government's relief schemes. He acknowledges measures like the Culture Recovery Fund but argues they do not go far enough. There is a call for sector-specific support, repurposing of the theatre tax credit, reinsurance schemes, clear timelines with test and trace facilities and the opportunity to reshape these sectors post-pandemic.
Julian Knight
Con
Solihull
The DCMS sectors have been severely impacted by the pandemic. Many businesses are still unable to open due to restrictions, with many jobs at risk as furlough schemes wind down. The speaker argues for more targeted support measures and highlights the economic importance of these sectors.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
The UK's fastest-growing sector, which relies on a talented workforce, is facing a deeply uncertain winter with just 20% of their normal expected income if they are lucky. The Chancellor must recognise the value of arts and culture and make the case for additional support to help get the creative workforce through this crisis. A bridge to the future—a proper support scheme for creative freelancers combined with tax incentives and grant funding for live events—would help generate supported work for freelance performance across the UK.
David Warburton
Con
North Wiltshire
The Government's £1.5 billion cultural recovery fund, while welcome, has been delayed and is yet to pay out, causing concern among venues like the Cheese and Grain in Frome that are struggling due to lack of audience numbers under social distancing measures. A bespoke furlough scheme for businesses effectively closed down would be beneficial, as well as an empty-seat subsidy or grant to enable more venues to open and still be economically viable.
Giles Watling
Con
Tendring
The tourism sector has been significantly impacted by the pandemic, supporting 3.1 million jobs pre-outbreak and contributing £392 million to Tendring's economy. Mr Watling calls for a dedicated tourism recovery fund and increased demand creation through government spending, including potential vouchers or food discounts. He also advocates extending the culture recovery fund into the next financial year, providing rapid testing and insurance assistance for theatres.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Highlights issues in DCMS sectors such as seasonality and workforce nature. Advocates for reopening of exhibitions and events with adequate support, emphasising the risk of 90,000 job losses. Discusses impact on golf tourism in Scotland and calls for better support measures to ensure visitors return safely after spring 2021. Emphasises the need for support tailored to self-employed freelancers who are currently falling through gaps in existing schemes.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
The events sector was vibrant before the pandemic but has been brought to a standstill. It employs around 700,000 people and contributes £70 billion annually. The self-employed support scheme needs flexibility for creative industries. A targeted economic support package is crucial for the business visitor economy. The festival and live music sectors need assistance, with at least half of their workforce facing redundancy. DCMS’s efforts to produce a working draft of operational guidance are imperative. The culture recovery fund is excellent but should have been implemented sooner.
Simon Jupp
Con
Sherborne
The Government's support for tourism and hospitality through a temporary 5% VAT rate has helped keep staff employed and given the country normality. Local radio stations played a crucial role during lockdown but some smaller commercial stations are struggling due to loss of advertising revenue. Professional sports clubs like Exeter Chiefs need financial assistance as they face monthly losses due to games being played behind closed doors. DCMS and Treasury should draw up support packages for sports clubs to survive the winter.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Cities of London and Westminster
Proud of the west end in her constituency, which is at the heart of arts and culture. She acknowledged the £1.5 billion support package but asked for continued VAT cuts and business rates reform. Emphasised the importance of setting a date for stage 5 when venues can reopen.
Southgate and Wood Green
Shared love for musicals but expressed concern about the plight of freelance musicians due to pandemic restrictions. Described an event where 400 classical musicians performed, highlighting how quickly music turns to silence under current conditions. Cited musician hardship statistics and called for a subsidised ticket scheme and help for freelancers.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Former Secretary of State for DCMS, she emphasised the economic importance of creative industries contributing over 16% to UK economy. She highlighted sectors' role in education and global influence, stressing need for continued support. Raised local issues like Alton Towers' VAT cut extension request and called for return of sporting events and freelancers support.
Welsh theatres linked to colleges and schools need more support as they are under financial strain. Mid Wales Music Centre, a significant music retailer in Wales, is restructuring due to tough times but has provided equipment to tutors. There is a need for better broadband connections in rural areas with 12.5% of his constituency currently receiving less than 10 megabits.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
World-leading cultural organisations like the National Theatre, British Film Institute and South Bank Centre attract tourists and contribute millions to the Exchequer. Smaller independent theatres such as Waterloo East Theatre and Clapham Omnibus Theatre are struggling due to restrictions on music, comedy clubs and theatres. The £1.57 billion cultural recovery fund has not helped many of these venues. A local cinema in Clapham is closing down, leading to job losses.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
The arts and culture sector is crucial in Bath, with many institutions facing uncertainty due to the pandemic. The Culture Recovery Fund is welcome but not reaching all those who need it. Freelancers are particularly hard hit, highlighting the need for extensions of support schemes such as furlough and creative solutions like tax-based hospitality vouchers.
Welcomed the culture recovery fund but emphasised that organisations across the country still await allocations. Highlighted the importance of supporting freelancers in addition to institutions, stressing the need for rapid testing availability and learning from other countries' practices to safely reopen venues.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham, Selly Oak
Expressed concern over job losses and financial hardship faced by the creative sector in the west midlands. Pointed out that many organisations are still awaiting funding from the culture recovery fund, with several local theatres facing significant redundancies or closures.
Tewkesbury
Called for further consideration of reopening sporting venues like horse racing and other sports arenas, stressing the importance of mental and physical health benefits provided by sport. Questioned why hospitality suites at racecourses are not allowed to operate similarly to restaurants.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
The cultural sector is vital to our economy and identity, providing diverse opportunities. Many venues are struggling due to safety concerns and lack of income. Workers in the cultural industry are highly skilled but face a precarious future without more support. Grassroots music venues like Off The Cuff and Hootananny risk permanent closure. Picturehouse cinemas are at imminent risk of closing, threatening 100 jobs. Cineworld needs to be asked to keep its arthouse cinemas open.
The £1.57 billion cultural recovery fund is crucial for constituencies like mine with rich cultural heritage. Support for the performing arts, which transcends the mundane and brings communities together, has been welcome but needs to continue. The pandemic will inspire creative works in the future, ensuring fantastic institutions endure.
Sport is integral to our society and public health; it brings people together and fights coronavirus through activity. In my constituency, significant health inequalities persist, exacerbated by losing sports clubs and venues. A sports recovery fund and VAT reduction for sport sectors are needed. Facilities have shown low infection rates during lockdowns, highlighting their safety and importance for mental health.
Laura Farris
Lab
Lambourn
Thanked the Minister for engagement with industries in her constituency, including the racing industry which employs over 1000 people and is a major source of revenue. Highlighted challenges faced by racing and arts venues due to lockdowns, emphasising the need for permission to reopen safely and stressing the importance of providing financial support to local newspapers like the Newbury Weekly News.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Acknowledged the Government's prioritization of allowing local sports activities, mentioning £195 million-worth of support for community projects and a £9.5 million pitch preparation fund. Discussed challenges faced by venues such as Crewe Lyceum Theatre and Crewe Alexandra FC, emphasising the need to allocate funds quickly and urging ministers to provide clarity on future plans.
Praised the DCMS ministerial team for being approachable and responsive but noted that many businesses are still facing uncertainty due to potential further restrictions. Mentioned struggles of coach companies, indoor leisure centres, and local football clubs like Lowestoft Town and Kirkley & Pakefield, urging targeted support for small community clubs.
Focused on the importance of supporting community football in his Black Country constituency. Highlighted volunteers running Tipton Town FC and Tividale FC, emphasising their role in providing opportunities to young people in disadvantaged areas. Praised the Department's flexibility but called for continued support.
Andy Carter
Lab
Warrington South
Welcomed the record £1.57 billion funding promised by the Secretary of State to the cultural and arts sector, but highlighted the urgent need for support in local media sectors such as newspapers, commercial radio, and magazines. Emphasised that small independently owned publications are not receiving agency ad funding from Government ad revenue despite providing up-to-date news and information. Raised concerns about the significant reduction in advertising spend forecasted over the next year due to restrictions on businesses like entertainment, events, and hospitality. Stressed the importance of local content for local media and reporting during lockdowns.
Jonathan Gullis
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Praised the Government’s £1.57 billion investment in the culture and arts sector, mentioning that Middleport Pottery and Ford Green Hall received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Discussed Port Vale FC's plan to allow 4,000 fans into its stadium under safe conditions but noted ongoing restrictions. Highlighted the importance of gigabit-capable technology infrastructure for Stoke-on-Trent, including £9.2 million of DCMS funding for full-fibre equipment installation. Visionary plans were proposed to establish a digital academy and innovation hub focused on health care delivery through advanced tech networks, targeting video game industry growth in the region.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Ms Thewliss expressed deep concern over the bleak prospects for sectors supported by DCMS, highlighting the devastating impact on workers in these industries. She criticised the UK Government's lack of support for freelancers and contractors who were left out of essential schemes such as furlough and self-employment support. She also pointed to the Scottish Government's efforts through various funds but called for more support from the UK Government, including for bigger cinemas and cultural venues. Ms Thewliss emphasised that throwing people into unemployment now would have long-term consequences due to a lack of available jobs. Additionally, she highlighted the need for clarity on funding for community sports clubs and charitable organisations.
Jo Stevens
Lab
Cardiff East
Thanked Members for their contributions, highlighted the severe impact of the pandemic on sectors under DCMS including culture, sport, tourism and charity, criticised the Government's response as insufficient and slow, emphasised the need for urgent support for people in these industries rather than just buildings or institutions. The speech also pointed out the lack of understanding by the Government regarding how these sectors function, stressed the importance of a functional test, trace and isolate system, and called for action based on ideas presented during the debate.
Matt Warman
Con
Birkenhead
Congratulated the Chair and highlighted the £1.57 billion culture recovery fund to support arts and heritage sites. Mentioned the £200 million for sports and the importance of protecting cultural assets across the country. Acknowledged the role of telecommunications networks, BBC, Netflix, and other providers in ensuring internet stability during the pandemic.
Julian Knight
Con
Solihull
Thanked all Members for their contributions and emphasised the importance of getting people back to cultural and sports institutions. Highlighted the danger of these sectors collapsing without adequate support, which could lead to structural unemployment.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Made a point of order to correct the record that a Liberal Democrat did contribute to the debate and clarified that the hon. Member for West Worcestershire was present during her contribution.
Government Response
Discussed the £1.57 billion culture recovery fund, support for sports clubs, business rates holiday, bounce back loans, reduction in VAT, and various other measures to support the sector.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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