Access to Culture 2026-09-03
2026-09-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about lack of cultural access in rural areas despite initiatives in urban centers. Mentions specific amenities like the Gatehouse theatre.
What steps she is taking to improve access to cultural amenities in towns and rural areas, noting challenges such as rural transport issues and a lack of cultural amenities, specifically for young people.
The DCMS understands that people in rural areas face additional challenges in accessing culture. Transport challenges make accessing touring productions and after-school activities more difficult. Arts Council England is committed to responding to the specific needs of rural areas, such as working with artists, improving access for rural audiences and building partnerships for growth. Access to culture should not be a postcode lottery, and that is what our arts everywhere programme is all about.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific details about young people in rural areas or the challenges they face
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Portsmouth, despite facing industrial loss and serious deprivation, submitted its bid to become UK city of culture to leverage cultural investments.
Does the Minister agree that it is time for the first city of culture in the south of England and that Portsmouth deserves that investment, given its historic dockyard, seafront creative activities, and talent?
Portsmouth holds an important place in our national story, with its strong maritime history, thriving cultural sector and iconic sites such as the historic dockyard. The UK city of culture competition gives all bidders, win or lose, opportunities to deliver on their ambitions to use culture as a catalyst to make transformative change for their people and place. The competition has an independent panel of judges, chaired by the wonderful Sir Phil Redmond.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm Portsmouth's investment worthiness or support for the bid
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Stafford's cultural amenities like the Gatehouse theatre provide unique opportunities for young people but face challenges due to rural transport issues and lack of cultural amenities.
Will the Minister please tell me what the Government are doing to support cultural activities, particularly for young people in our rural areas, mentioning the Gatehouse theatre's technical summer school?
I commend the Gatehouse theatre in Stafford for all that it does for young people; it is a fantastic initiative. The DCMS understands that people in rural areas face additional challenges in accessing culture. We know that transport challenges make accessing touring productions and after-school activities more difficult. Indeed, that was something we discussed on Staffordshire Day in this place. Arts Council England is committed to responding to the specific needs of rural areas, such as working with artists, improving access for rural audiences and building partnerships for growth.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific support for young people in rural areas
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Castle Ward, a local National Trust site in the constituency, puts on cultural and creative activities but faces transport connectivity challenges.
Will the Minister work in partnership with the National Trust on this issue right across the UK, mentioning Castle Ward's cultural and creative activities?
Absolutely, and I commend the hon. Gentleman for the work done in his constituency, including at Castle Ward. Encouraging everyone to go and visit would be the best thing for me to do as the Minister. Transport connectivity for those attending cultural and music events and historic and heritage places came up at the Select Committee sitting I attended this week, so we are working hard to resolve these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on partnership with National Trust
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Rex cinema in Wareham, one of the oldest in the country, requires £400,000 to repair its roof, which is over 135 years old.
Will the Minister consider extending cultural capital grants to community cinemas like the Rex cinema, which shows two films every day and maintains its art deco interior?
In the interests of time, I will just say that I am happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss that issue in more detail.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific response regarding cultural capital grants
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Notting Hill carnival cost £16 million last year for policing and an additional £4.6 million this year for safety measures, with 636 arrests.
Are the Minister and the Secretary of State satisfied that the Notting Hill carnival represents good value for taxpayers, given the policing cost and arrests? What discussions is the Secretary of State having with colleagues about whether the present approach is sustainable?
It was the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill carnival. Everyone is concerned about the 636 arrests. It is a carnival that has been enjoyed by tens of millions of people over the past 60 years. Its policing is the responsibility of the Mayor of London, and we will work closely with the Mayor of London on what will happen over the next 60 years of the Notting Hill carnival. It is something that we should celebrate and enjoy, but that has to be done safely, without discrimination for anyone and without fear or favour for anyone.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address value for taxpayers or sustainability discussions
Response accuracy