Written question asked by John Slinger (Labour) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Thursday, 10 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Arts: Basic Income

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether her department has a) investigated implementing a basic income for the arts, which provides artists with a weekly income, b) plans to economically support creative artists.

Answer: The Government is not considering basic income for artists at this time. We believe that British creators are second-to-none and are committed to giving them security and a regulatory and fiscal environment where creativity can flourish. This is exemplified with our recent Employment Rights Act, our appointment of freelance champions Leila D’Aronville and Lizzie Crump and our 5% uplift to National Portfolio Organisations, giving certainty for staff and freelancers.

Secondary information