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Written question asked by Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2025. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Culture: Surrey

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions her Department has had with local councils on the future of (a) community arts and (b) cultural infrastructure in (i) Surrey and (ii) Surrey Heath constituency.

Answer

The Secretary of State, her ministerial team, and officials engage regularly with a wide range of stakeholders including local councils and DCMS Arm’s Length Bodies regarding support for local arts and cultural organisations. Typically, DCMS does not directly fund local authorities, nor their arts and cultural organisations, which are commonly funded by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Arts Council England.

We have committed an additional £3.4 billion in grant funding to local government by 2028-29, including investment in culture. The department also partnered with MHCLG on the "Pride in Place" strategy, and has recently committed £270 million through the Arts Everywhere Fund which will help support long-term viability of venues in communities across the country.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
96860
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Culture Local government Surrey
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk