Topical Questions 2026-04-16
2026-04-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Since the last meeting, there have been sev [3D [K several key developments in arts and sports. Swim England's report highligh [8D [K highlights issues with funding and infrastructure for community swimming fa [2D [K facilities.
Swim England recently published a report titled ' [1D [K 'The Deep End' detailing the crisis in community swimming due to funding cu [2D [K cuts and lack of infrastructure. Despite Hartlepool's new Highlight leisure [7D [K leisure centre, other areas face losses or threats to their swimming facili [6D [K facilities. What measures will the Department take to ensure better access [K to swimming pools where they are at risk?
We are aware of the issues caused by funding cuts a [1D [K and rising energy costs. The Department has committed £400 million over fou [3D [K four years for sports facility transformation, including swimming pools. Di [2D [K Discussions with the Energy Secretary aim to protect swimming facilities fr [2D [K from impacts such as war in the Middle East.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timeline for improving access t [1D [K to at-risk swimming facilities was not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
William Hill is closing 200 betting shops d [1D [K due to Labour's tax policies. The questioner raises concerns about the impa [4D [K impact on sponsorship opportunities and finances of horseracing, comparing [K it to proposals from other parties.
William Hill announced that it will close 200 bet [3D [K betting shops because of Labour's tax policies making them unsustainable, l [1D [K leading to unemployment and undermining sponsorship for horseracing. While [K acknowledging some benefits, can the Minister assure racing and gambling co [2D [K communities that further damage will not be done?
The industry brings joy but also faces significant [K pressures. The Minister acknowledges previous government's inaction on high [4D [K high street business issues over 14 years, implying current measures are ad [2D [K addressing these challenges.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific assurance was not provided and instead t [1D [K the answer focused on criticism of the opposition's record
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The newly approved Bathgate Music Hub will [K support local musicians. Community-owned models are increasingly used to sa [2D [K safeguard live music venues.
My constituency, known for musical talent, has th [2D [K the new Bathgate Music Hub and community-run venues supporting local artist [6D [K artists. How does the Department support such co-operative and community-ow [12D [K community-owned models for live music clubs and venues?
The Government's £150 million community ownership f [1D [K fund supports communities taking ownership of cultural assets. The Pride in [2D [K in Place programme aids 244 neighbourhoods, and yesterday announced a Creat [5D [K Creative Foundations Fund awarding £999,000 for music venue properties in E [1D [K England.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific support for Scotland was not detailed; o [1D [K only referenced the Barnett formula received by the Scottish Government wit [3D [K without clear spending details
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The all-party parliamentary group on swimmi [6D [K swimming reports that 1,200 pools have closed since 2010. Horsham district [K council's consultation shows strong community support for more investment i [1D [K in local pools.
With rivers and seas unfit to swim in and 1,200 p [1D [K pool closures since 2010, what additional support can the Secretary of Stat [4D [K State offer to secure the future of community swimming pools besides previo [6D [K previous statements?
The Government has changed funding methods to be co [2D [K community-driven and led. A multi-year settlement helps local authorities b [1D [K better plan and prepare to meet community needs regarding swimming faciliti [8D [K facilities.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific new measures beyond existing policies we [2D [K were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Since the last meeting, there have been sev [3D [K several key developments including celebrating Paralympic athletes and inve [4D [K investing in cultural venues.
If she will make a statement on her departmental [K responsibilities covering recent activities such as celebrating Paralympic [K success and investments in arts and culture.
Since our last meeting, we celebrated Paralympians' [13D [K Paralympians' success and invested £130 million to protect cultural venues [K across the UK. The Government is committed to making arts accessible to eve [3D [K everyone.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy