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Written question asked by Lord Cormack (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 May 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 May 2020. It was answered by Baroness Barran (Conservative) on Monday, 18 May 2020 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Culture: Finance

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that (1) museums, (2) galleries, (3) historic buildings, and (4) cathedrals and churches, are compensated for any lost revenue in the period of enforced closure (a) since the closure was introduced, and (b) if the closure continues into the next four months. [T]

Answer

My department is in constant contact with sector bodies, museums and heritage sites directly to assess impacts and are working to develop support for the sector in response to COVID-19. We are also in close contact with counterparts in the devolved nations, as culture is a devolved matter. Significant support has been delivered at speed by DCMS arm’s-length bodies. Arts Council England have launched a £160m Emergency Funding Package, the National Lottery Heritage Fund a £50m Heritage Emergency Fund, and Historic England launched a £2m Emergency Fund. All of these are delivering much-needed support across the sector.

We are also pleased that there has already been support pledged for the sector including through the Job Retention Scheme and the availability of grants of up to £25,000 to leisure businesses, including museums operating from smaller premises through the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund. The Government continues to monitor the impact of these and other measures.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3859
Session
2019-21
Procedure
Topical questions for written answer
Subjects
Compensation Closures Churches Culture Finance Historic buildings Museums and galleries
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk