Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Support for Culture and Arts Sector

Tuesday 22 June 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Chancellor announced an additional 300 million for the culture recovery fund in March 2021.
  • The film insurance scheme has protected over 45,000 jobs and 1.6 billion of spend.
  • The Chancellor has provided a package of 352 billion including grants and loans to support businesses affected by covid.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Neill Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP questioned the adequacy of support given to the cultural sector, noting specific concerns about delays in payments affecting performing arts.

Question

What assessment has been made of the support provided to the culture and arts sector during the covid-19 outbreak? The Minister is right to point out the unprecedented sums given, but does he recognise that further four-week delay is crippling future plans for the performing arts?

Answer from Steve Barclay

In March 2021, the Chancellor announced an additional £300 million on top of the existing £1.57 billion culture recovery fund support. My hon Friend is right to draw attention to the success of the film insurance scheme which has protected over 45,000 jobs and £1.6 billion of spend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a Government-backed insurance scheme was not addressed directly.

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Q2 Bob Neill Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP highlighted the impact of further delays on future plans in the performing arts sector, stressing the need for certainty and a Government-backed insurance scheme similar to that used in film and TV production.

Question

Does the Minister recognise the crippling effect of uncertainty on future plans in the performing arts? Will he consider industry calls for a Government-backed insurance scheme?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The success of the film insurance scheme has protected over 45,000 jobs and £1.6 billion of spend. The Chancellor announced additional £300 million support at Budget anticipating further delays.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for an insurance scheme was not addressed directly.

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Q3 Alison Thewliss SNP
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The MP highlighted the continued hardships faced by the live events sector, mentioning specific calls from UK Music and We Make Events for additional financial support, VAT reduction extension, and Government-backed insurance.

Question

Why has the UK Government not provided additional financial support to the live events sector as called for by organisations like UK Music and We Make Events?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The Chancellor has set out a package of £352 billion including time-to-pay arrangements, loans, business grants and universal credit uplift. The hon Member frequently raises the plight of those individuals hit by covid.

Not addressed: The specific ask for additional financial support was not addressed directly.

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