Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 16 April 2026 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Swim England's report "The Deep End" highlights issues in community swimming due to funding cuts and lack of infrastructure.
  • Government committed 400 million over four years for sports facility transformation, including swimming pools.
  • Government's 150 million community ownership fund supports community-owned cultural assets like music venues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jonathan Brash Lab Hartlepool
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Since the last meeting, there have been several key developments in arts and sports. Swim England's report highlights issues with funding and infrastructure for community swimming facilities.

Question

Swim England recently published a report titled ' 'The Deep End' detailing the crisis in community swimming due to funding cuts and lack of infrastructure. Despite Hartlepool's new Highlight leisure centre, other areas face losses or threats to their swimming facilities. What measures will the Department take to ensure better access to swimming pools where they are at risk?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

We are aware of the issues caused by funding cuts and rising energy costs. The Department has committed £400 million over four years for sports facility transformation, including swimming pools. Discussions with the Energy Secretary aim to protect swimming facilities from impacts such as war in the Middle East.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or timeline for improving access to at-risk swimming facilities was not provided

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Jonathan Brash Lab Hartlepool
Employment Culture, Media & Sport Business & Trade
Context

William Hill is closing 200 betting shops due to Labour's tax policies. The questioner raises concerns about the impact on sponsorship opportunities and finances of horseracing, comparing it to proposals from other parties.

Question

William Hill announced that it will close 200 betting shops because of Labour's tax policies making them unsustainable, leading to unemployment and undermining sponsorship for horseracing. While acknowledging some benefits, can the Minister assure racing and gambling communities that further damage will not be done?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

The industry brings joy but also faces significant pressures. The Minister acknowledges previous government's inaction on high street business issues over 14 years, implying current measures are addressing these challenges.

Not addressed: Specific assurance was not provided and instead the answer focused on criticism of the opposition's record

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Nigel Huddleston Con Droitwich and Evesham
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The newly approved Bathgate Music Hub will support local musicians. Community-owned models are increasingly used to safeguard live music venues.

Question

My constituency, known for musical talent, has the new Bathgate Music Hub and community-run venues supporting local artists. How does the Department support such co-operative and community-owned models for live music clubs and venues?

Answer from Ian Murray

The Government's £150 million community ownership fund supports communities taking ownership of cultural assets. The Pride in Place programme aids 244 neighbourhoods, and yesterday announced a Creative Foundations Fund awarding £999,000 for music venue properties in England.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific support for Scotland was not detailed; only referenced the Barnett formula received by the Scottish Government without clear spending details

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Kirsteen Sullivan Labour (Co-op) Bathgate and Linlithgow
Housing Local Government Environment
Context

The all-party parliamentary group on swimming reports that 1,200 pools have closed since 2010. Horsham district council's consultation shows strong community support for more investment in local pools.

Question

With rivers and seas unfit to swim in and 1,200 pool closures since 2010, what additional support can the Secretary of State offer to secure the future of community swimming pools besides previous statements?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

The Government has changed funding methods to be community-driven and led. A multi-year settlement helps local authorities better plan and prepare to meet community needs regarding swimming facilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific new measures beyond existing policies were not detailed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 John Milne Lib Dem Horsham
Education Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Since the last meeting, there have been several key developments including celebrating Paralympic athletes and investing in cultural venues.

Question

If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities covering recent activities such as celebrating Paralympic success and investments in arts and culture.

Answer from Lisa Nandy

Since our last meeting, we celebrated Paralympians' success and invested £130 million to protect cultural venues across the UK. The Government is committed to making arts accessible to everyone.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email