Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has written to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to urge him to provide more information about the culture support package and ensure that funding reaches the regions.
On Monday, the Government announced a £1.57 billion support package to protect theatres, arts, cultural and heritage institutions through the Coronavirus crisis.
£1.15 billion of this package is allocated to support cultural organisations in England. This is made up of £880m in grants and £270m of repayable loans.
As well as providing entertainment and education to the general public, the arts and culture sector makes a significant contribution to the economy and to the UK’s influence around the world.
In his letter to the Culture Secretary, Gwynne asks for urgent clarification on exactly how the scheme will operate to ensure that organisations and individuals within the sector can plan ahead. He also asks for a commitment to ensuring that the money reaches England’s regions.
Andrew Gwynne said:
“I welcome the announcement of this support package for the arts and culture sector. It’s a really important sector that gives us so much joy and entertainment, but also contributes hugely to the economy.
“However, we don’t yet have enough detail about the support package and this is vital for those working in the sector. I hope the Culture Secretary will provide this information urgently.
“I have also urged him to make sure that this funding doesn’t all go to London and the South East, but that it is fairly distributed to the businesses and organisations that need it most, wherever they are.”
