Tag: Department for Culture and Media

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 13 February 2026.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has appointed 7 new Trustees to the National Museums Liverpool Board, for 4 years terms.

Peter Duffy

Appointed from 19 January 2026 to 18 January 2030.

Peter is CEO of the FTSE 250 listed Mony Group PLC which operates under three consumer brands in the UK – MoneySuperMarket, MoneySavingExpert and Quidco.  He has extensive experience of digital businesses as well as banks, airlines, automotive and consumer delivery.  Previously, Peter was global CEO of Just Eat, CCO at easyJet, Marketing Director at Audi UK & Group Marketing Services Director at Barclays.  He has also served as a non-executive director of the merchant banking group Close Brothers and was President of the ISBA.

Lord John Grantchester

Appointed from 19 January 2026 to 18 January 2030.

Lord Grantchester has held various prominent roles throughout his career, including serving as a member of the House of Lords since 1995. His non-executive experience has involved serving as an NED with Littlewoods in the 1990s  and a number of roles in farming and rural economy. He was Director of Dairy Farmers of Britain from 2003-2008 and Director of Everton Football Club Company Ltd from 1994 to 2000. He has also served on the council of the Liverpool County FA.

Sue Harris

Appointed from 19 January 2026 to 18 January 2030.

After graduating with a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, Sue embarked on a career in accountancy, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young in Liverpool where she specialised in audit in the financial services sector. Following a move to RSM, Sue’s involvement in the charity and not-for-profit sectors began. During her career Sue has worked with national charities such as the Royal Horticultural Society and with local non departmental public bodies such as the Northwest Development Agency, advising on financial control, governance and risk management. 

She is currently an audit partner with Champion Accountants, based in their Chester office, where her work with local charities continues. Sue is also a trustee and treasurer of Chester Civic Trust whose purpose is to preserve and enhance Chester’s architectural and cultural heritage and to foster civic pride and public interest. She is a great lover of art, taking every opportunity to visit art galleries and museums across the UK and Europe, and is passionate about the importance of cultural heritage to our human identity and of being part of the team at NML working to protect and preserve that heritage for future generations.

Nigel Lowe

Appointed from 19 January 2026 to 18 January 2030.

Nigel Lowe was born and raised on Merseyside and has maintained a lifelong connection to the region’s industrial, cultural and maritime heritage. He went on to study at the University of Liverpool, graduating with an engineering degree that laid the foundation for a career spanning several decades. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Engineering Technology, Nigel built his professional life across a range of technically demanding sectors, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and the nuclear industry.

His work took him throughout the United Kingdom and overseas, giving him experience of complex operational environments and the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. He worked in senior engineering and programme management roles where experience in highly regulated environments has given him a deep understanding of governance, risk management and organisational accountability.

Now retired, Nigel remains active in the community. He is a keen gardener and DIY enthusiast. He is committed to supporting institutions that preserve the region’s history, broaden access to culture and inspire future generations. Nigel brings to the museum sector a long‑standing interest in Merseyside’s industrial and scientific heritage, together with a clear commitment to supporting institutions that preserve and interpret the region’s history for diverse audiences.

Michelle Cox

Appointed from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2030.

Michelle Cox MBE is a registered nurse with extensive experience across the UK health system and a strong track record in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing and a Fellow of the Queen’s Nursing Institute, reflecting her contribution to professional leadership, community nursing, and service improvement.

Kathryn Luke

Appointed from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2030.

Kathryn graduated Nottingham Trent University in 2004 with a BA Hons degree in Business Studies specialising in Marketing. Following university, she worked in marketing for commercial radio stations before moving into destination and events marketing. Relocating to Liverpool to work for Liverpool Culture Company to promote Liverpool leading up to and during its European Capital of Culture year in 2008.

Following the conclusion of the Capital of Culture year Kathryn returned to her native North East England to take up a position as Brand Manager for the Regional Development Agency, One North East, to promote North East England as a tourism destination, alongside key commercial travel partners, in key international markets.

However, having fallen in love with Liverpool she took the opportunity to return to the city to work for one of the UK’s largest Pureplay Online Retailers, Very. Kathryn has worked in online retail since 2011, spending 10 years at Very followed by 3 years at SimplyBe. Kathryn is a customer focused Ecommerce leader, supporting digital transformation and leading teams to deliver commercial revenue targets and is currently Director of Ecommerce Trading at Liverpool Football Club.

Clare Milsom

Appointed from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2030.

Professor Clare Milsom is a senior higher education leader and academic palaeontologist with extensive experience in governance, institutional transformation, and strategic leadership. As Registrar and Chief Operating Officer at Liverpool John Moores University, she has led major initiatives including the Estates Masterplan and the creation of a digital architecture delivering class-leading technology solutions across virtual and physical campuses. Her leadership has strengthened operational efficiency, enhanced the student experience, and advanced the university’s strategic growth and reputation. 

Alongside her leadership roles, Clare has over two decades of academic experience in palaeontology, with research spanning palaeobiology, taphonomy, and macroevolution. She has published extensively, including internationally recognised books such as Fossils at a Glance and multiple edited volumes on higher education policy. Awarded a National Teaching Fellowship and a Professorship of Academic Practice, she contributes widely to sector development through board memberships and collaborations in research, education, and governance.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees of National Museums Liverpool are not remunerated. 

This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. 

Lord Grantchester is a member of the House of Lords and has previously held Shadow Parliamentary roles for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, International Trade, and Environment, Food and Rural affairs.

Michelle Cox, Peter Duffy, Kathryn Luke, Nigel Lowe, Clare Milsom and Sue Harris have declared no political activity.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 12 February 2026.

Review will examine digital shifts, market trends and emerging technologies including use of AI.

• Government is committed to helping UK radio to thrive and retain status as most trusted form of media, amid changing listener habits
• Nearly 75% of UK radio listening now happens on digital or online platforms, and the government will work with key industry partners to help manage this transition

Radio listeners across the UK stand to benefit as the government launches a review of the UK’s radio industry to ensure it continues to flourish as audiences increasingly shift to digital platforms.

Radio remains the most trusted form of media in the UK, with more than 85% of UK adults tuning in every week. From national and international headlines to crucial local updates, radio stations provide timely, reliable content that reflects the diverse fabric of the UK’s communities. They offer companionship and social connection to millions of people. 

However, the way people listen is rapidly changing. Almost 75% of UK radio listening now takes place on digital or online platforms, rather than FM and AM. To help the industry navigate this shift, the government will work with key partners, including the BBC and commercial radio, to examine changes in listener behaviour and audio markets in recent years, and make recommendations on the future distribution of radio services.

The review will consider:

• Whether there should be a managed transition away from FM in the 2030s and, if so, over what timescale;
• The potential impact of a decision on the future of Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) on radio distribution;
• The role of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the benefits and challenges they pose to the industry.

A previous Radio and Audio Review in 2021 concluded that FM should continue until at least 2030, but recommended that in 2026 government and industry revisit a potential analogue switch-off. There has been broad support across the industry for this further review.

The launch of this new review coincides with World Radio Day tomorrow (13 February), which this year focuses on ‘Radio and AI’, and how the technology could offer more personalised listener experiences and support fact-checking.

Media Minister Ian Murray said:

In the midst of the media revolution, radio remains a powerful and popular medium that holds a special place in people’s lives. It provides company for the isolated, entertainment to millions of people on their daily commute, and helps circulate vital news and information across the country.

However, we also know that listening habits are changing as even more people access radio via digital and online platforms, whether at home or in the car. The use of AI as a tool is only going to keep increasing in the coming years and this will impact how radio is made and consumed.

That is why it is so important that we carry out this review. We need to make sure that the UK radio industry has the right support to thrive long into the future.

Radiocentre’s CEO Matt Payton said:

Radio remains extremely popular, yet listening habits continue to change driven by new technology and innovation. Whether audiences are listening on smart speakers, a radio set or in a connected car, it’s vital to ensure that distribution and access to radio is secure for the future. We look forward to working together with government and industry to address this challenge.

The BBC’s Director of BBC Sounds Jonathan Wall said: 

We all have a common objective to secure and protect the future of radio for our listeners and welcome the opportunity to work together with our colleagues in commercial radio and across the industry during the Radio Review.

Notes to Editors

• The review’s Terms of Reference are to:

1. Investigate future scenarios for the consumption of UK radio and audio content on all platforms into the 2030s, taking into account likely models of future listener behaviour, market trends, and technical developments. 
2. Consider the impact of these scenarios on current and future distribution strategies for the UK radio industry and on the future availability of UK radio services for listeners on all platforms. 
3. Make recommendations – based as far as possible on a cross-industry consensus – on the future distribution of radio services and provide advice to government on ways of strengthening the long-term viability of UK radio until the early 2040s.

• The Radio Review will conclude in autumn 2026 with a report to the government.
• This report will inform further policy development and the latter stages of the ongoing BBC Charter Review.
• The most recent Rajar figures published on 5 February 2026 reported that 74.6% of all UK radio listening was via a digital platform.
• The Steering Board for the 2026 Radio Review will be confirmed in due course.
• This follows the recent uplift to the Community Radio Fund, which DCMS has increased to over £1 million to support nearly 50 radio stations across the UK, as announced by Ofcom on Tuesday.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture and Media on 6 February 2026.

A temporary export bar has been placed on Michael Rysbrack’s sculpture of two ‘putti’ supporting an architrave.

• Valued at £750,000, the sculpture is recognised to be of outstanding artistic quality
• Export bar is to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the sculpture for the nation

An export bar has been placed on Michael Rysbrack’s sculpture of two ‘putti’ supporting a column to allow time for a UK buyer to be found.

The sculpture was crafted to be one of a pair of chimney pieces, possibly for the grand Bedford House in London. Standing over a metre tall, the sculpture is cut from marble. It has been praised for its excellent quality and condition despite being nearly three hundred years old.

Owning similar sculptures was very popular amongst the British aristocracy during the eighteenth century. Rysbrack’s sculpture is inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art, with ownership of the sculpture symbolising interest and knowledge of the Classical World.

The depiction of the ‘putti’ – childlike figures – is recognised to be of extraordinary artistic quality. At the time of the sculpture’s creation, new research and understanding of childhood development was changing attitudes to children in London society. Rysbrack himself became a governor of London’s Foundling Hospital, which cared for orphaned children.

Michael Rysbrack was born and trained in Antwerp, but is best known for his career in England. He was inspired by Classical art for many of the sculptures he created, including those he crafted for Westminster Abbey. 

Culture Minister Baroness Twycross said:

The incredible detail on this marble sculpture of two childlike figures demonstrates a remarkable mastery of the craft. The quality of the putti is a clear testament to why Michael Rysbrack’s sculptures were so highly sought after in the eighteenth century.

Today, we continue to appreciate world class art such as this. I hope that this export bar can help secure this sculpture for the public to enjoy.

Committee Member, Stuart Lochead said:

Likely designed for Bedford House, London, this set of putti originally formed part of a monumental fireplace. Despite its scale, the carving is notably delicate: the flesh and hair of the two figures are rendered with remarkable tenderness. The use of infant imagery marks a pivotal moment in Rysbrack’s career. Having recently been elected Governor of the Foundling Hospital in London, alongside William Hogarth, the sculptor’s work reflects on the changing attitudes toward childhood in early eighteenth-century Britain. Displayed in one of London’s most important houses, this refined marble group would represent a significant loss if exported.

This is the fourth temporary export bar issued since the start of the year by this Government. It follows attempts to protect an 18th century bust of John Gordon of Invergordon, a £9 million Baroque painting by Claude Lorrain, and an 18th century terracotta dog sculpture by groundbreaking female sculptor, Anne Damer.

The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA).

The Committee made its recommendation on the basis that the sculpture met the second and third Waverley criteria for its outstanding aesthetic importance and its outstanding significance to the study of the work of Rysbrack; sculpture in the 18th century in architectural and social history; and the representation of children in portraiture.

The decision on the export licence application for the sculpture will be deferred for a period ending on 5 May 2026 inclusive. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the sculpture at the recommended price of £750,000 (plus VAT of £150,000 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for four months.

Notes to editors

1. Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the sculpture should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk.
2. Details of the ITEM are as follows: Michael Rysbrack, Antwerp, 1694 – London, 1770. Two putti supporting an architrave, c.1735-7. Marble, 131.3 cm high 131 cm wide
3. Provenance: Probably 4th Duke of Bedford, by descent to 5th Duke of Bedford; sold Christie’s, London, the Bedford House sale, 5 May 1800, lot 71, to 11th Duke of Norfolk; by descent to 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th Dukes of Norfolk; offered for sale by the 15th Duke of Norfolk (Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 1847-1917) at the Arundel Castle sale, Sparks & Son, 14 and 15 April 1891, either lot 289 or lot 299 (‘two figures of boys, in bold relief, supporting richly carved cornice, statuary marble, 4ft 3in high; 3ft wide’ and ‘The companion ditto’); sold Christie’s, London, 1 December 1911, lot 85 (‘TWO PORTIONS OF A CHIMNEY-PIECE, of white marble, each sculpted in high relief with two children supporting a frieze—51 in high, 44 in. wide—Italian, 17th Century’), to Harding for £162-15s [=155 guineas]. Private collection UK before 1960; from whom purchased by the current owner in 1979.
4. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an  independent body, serviced by Arts Council England (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 6 February 2026.

The annual cost of a TV licence will rise to £180 from 1 April 2026, as required by the 2022 Licence Fee Settlement, in line with inflation.

• TV licence fee to rise in line with inflation to provide the BBC with stable financial footing to deliver for audiences and support the wider creative industries
• The government continues the Charter Review Green Paper public consultation on options for BBC future funding
• Support for households in severe financial difficulty is available and free licences for over-75s on Pension Credit

The increase follows the methodology of calculating the licence fee in line with the consumer price index (CPI) until the end of the BBC Charter Period.

This means the cost of an annual colour TV licence will rise by £5.50, or the equivalent of an extra 46p a month. 

The increase in the cost of the TV licence will help keep the BBC on a stable financial footing, enabling it to continue to deliver on its Mission and Public Purposes. The BBC is the UK’s number one media brand, with 94% of UK adults using the BBC each month last year and it remains the UK’s most widely used and trusted news outlet.

The government recognises the financial pressures on households and is committed to ensuring the BBC’s funding model is sustainable, fair and affordable. The government has committed to the licence fee for the remainder of this Charter Period. To support the public with the cost of the TV licence, we will also continue to support the Simple Payment Plan to spread payments through smaller instalments. Free licences remain available for over-75s on Pension Credit, with reduced fees for care home residents and blind individuals.

This comes alongside the ongoing Charter Review, which will ensure the BBC is sustainably funded to provide value for licence fee payers, commands the public’s trust with impartial editorial standards and drives growth, opportunity and good jobs across the country.

The BBC has recently announced a series of initiatives with the aim of bringing trusted public service content to more young people and families where they are. This includes a new content partnership with YouTube, with a CBeebies Parenting YouTube channel launching later this year, as well as six themed channels featuring content from CBBC shows. The BBC is also partnering with the British Library to provide storytelling for pre-schoolers and their parents at library events across the UK.

S4C, which receives all its public funding from the licence fee, will also see its revenue increase proportionately, receiving approximately £100 million in 2026/27 to support the growth of the Welsh creative industries. 

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 27 January 2026.

Nearly 1000 community projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland benefitting from new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities.

• Boost will improve accessibility and sustainability, through multisport, all-weather pitches, goalposts, floodlights and community hubs – with 50% going to 30% most deprived communities in the UK
• Move supports drive to break down barriers to opportunity, give families affordable ways to stay healthy, and deliver an NHS fit for the future 
• Applications for £85 million of funding to be distributed in 2026/27 across the UK to open

Nearly 1000 community projects across the UK are benefitting from new all-weather pitches, extended playing hours through floodlighting, and modern changing facilities designed to welcome underserved groups like women and girls, in a new boost for grassroots sport facilities by the Government. 

991 projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been awarded funding through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme in 2025/26, with more beneficiaries to be announced soon. 

These new or refurbished facilities will give families low-cost options to stay active on their doorstep, helping when many are facing cost-of-living pressures. It will also open up opportunities to underserved groups like women and girls. At least half of all funding will go directly to the 30% most deprived communities in the UK. 

Sports clubs and organisations will also benefit from new goalposts, fencing and new changing pavilions – all of which help make sites more accessible and sustainable for local communities. To ensure broader participation beyond football, at least 40% of funded projects must have a multi-sport offer. This approach will give more people access to a wider variety of sports and activities, such as rugby, cricket, and basketball.

Full details of all the 991 projects funded through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme in 2025/26 at time of writing to date are attached and available on GOV.UK.

Today, the Government has also announced the allocations for the next £85million investment for 2026/27 for grassroots sports facilities, part of a £400 million boost launched by the Government in June 2025.  Applications are now open in England, with Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland to follow.

The announcement was made as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy visited East Kilbride United Community Sports Club, who received £310,000 across 2024-26 for a new artificial pitch and changing pavilion at Kirktonholme. The upgraded facility now hosts women’s and girls’ teams, school PE lessons, and a walking football programme supporting men’s mental health. 

It follows the Government  launching the ‘Team Up’ campaign yesterday, which has brought some of the UK’s biggest sport stars, sport governing bodies and charities together to tackle male loneliness using the power of sport through a wide range of initiatives across the country. More details are available on the new Team Up website.  

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, said:

This is sport delivering for the nation. Every pound we invest in grassroots facilities is a pound that takes pressure off our NHS, supports mental and physical health, and opens doors for new community members to benefit from sport – like women and girls who’ve been shut out for too long.

We’re supporting communities that have made do with run-down pitches and crumbling changing rooms for years. This government is turning that around – building the facilities that get people active, bring communities together, and nurture the next generation of sporting talent.

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: 

High quality sports facilities are vital. This season we’ve been celebrating 25 years of game changing impact in the grassroots game thanks to £1.3bn of funding from our partners the Premier League, The FA and Government since we started work in 2000.

The funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, announced today, alongside that of the Premier League and The FA, ensures the Football Foundation can continue to deliver the football and multi-sport facilities that inspire people to play, get healthy and come together.   

Football in England is evolving and we need to ensure the facilities support its growth. Guided by our Local Plans we systematically deliver where need is greatest and impact is strongest, creating inclusive opportunities for generations to come.  

The £68.4m will help us support the growth of the women’s and girls’ game, provide the facilities that grassroots organisations need, back our biggest and best clubs and ensure we know about every pitch and how we can best support them.  

We are excited about the next year, and look forward to working with our funding partners to continue to provide very community with a great place to play.” 

Sport England Chief Executive, Simon Hayes said:

Community sport sits at the heart of our society. It brings people together across the UK, helping them to connect, have fun and live healthier lives. But none of that is possible if there aren’t enough pitches and facilities, designed in the right way and located in the right places. We therefore very much welcome today’s announcement and look forward to working with the Government and our partners to ensure as many people as possible from all over the country have the chance to participate.

Through new local sports facilities or critical upgrades to outdated facilities, the funding will deliver: 

• New 3G grass pitches enabling year-round play regardless of weather
• Upgraded changing pavilions with more appropriate changing facilities for women and girls
• Floodlighting to extend playing hours into evenings and car parking for better accessibility
• New goalposts, fencing and storage facilities to improve safety and access
• Priority use time slots for women and girls teams at funded sites
• Facilities that can host PE and school activities alongside community use
• Sites that support health initiatives and community outreach programmes

The funding is designed to promote health, wellbeing and community cohesion, remove the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups (such as women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities), and support the Government’s Plan for Change by breaking down barriers to opportunity and delivering an NHS fit for the future.  

Today’s announcement is the latest part of a £400 million boost for grassroots sport facilities announced by the Government in June 2025. £98 million was invested in 2025/26. The 2026/27 investment includes £85million and a recently announced £5 million boost for basketball facilities (matched by £5 million from the NBA). Further details on £10million funding for innovative facilities models is due to be set out in the coming months. 

Following the Lionesses’ defence of their European title last summer, the Government announced plans to more than double the share of primetime slots dedicated to women’s and girls’ teams. This will happen at facilities that have been funded by the Government, Premier League and The FA’s charity the Football Foundation over the next five years, with a clear long-term target of reaching equal access as demand grows.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

2026-27 funding:

Funding breakdown by nation:

• England: £68.35 million (delivered through the Football Foundation)
• Scotland: £8.14 million (delivered through the Scottish Football Association)
• Wales: £5.735 million (delivered through the Cymru Football Foundation)
• Northern Ireland: £2.775 million (delivered through the Irish Football Association)
• Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis in England via the Football Foundation.
• Application windows will open soon in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and the relevant FA websites will be updated with more details.

Funding in action for 2025-26: 

Scotland – East Kilbride United Community Sports Club

• East Kilbride United received a grant of £200,000 towards a new artificial grass pitch in 2024/25, followed by a grant of £110,000 towards a new changing pavilion in 2025/26 for their facilities at Kirktonholme. 
• The addition of a changing pavilion has enabled greater use of the facility by women and girls teams. The facility is now used for PE school activities, and the club runs a range of health initiatives and community outreach programmes, including a walking football group supporting men’s mental health.

England – Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation, Ben Scott’s Field

• The project is receiving £990,248 towards the development of a new World Rugby 22 and FIFA Quality 3G pitch, new changing pavilion with office space, social/community room and kitchen, as well as new access and car parking.
• The site offers crucial multi-sport availability, being designed to support rugby, with Guisborough Rugby Club using the site for training as well as hosting the RFU’s T1 Rugby programme, a fun and inclusive, non-contact version of rugby union designed for all ages and abilities.
• The site will also boost access for women and girls, being supported by partner club Skelton United, who would have 13 women and girls teams on site by year five.
• The Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation will also deliver Premier League Kicks and Wildcats provision to support recreational women and girls activity. 
• A key aim of the project is to support under-represented groups with programmes to support Mental Health, Disability through team growth and the North Riding FA Ability Counts League, Warm Space (a cost-of-living programme), Match Fit and Team Talk (linked to public health).

England – Academies Enterprise Trust, Lift Tendring School

• The project is receiving £1,000,000 towards the development of a 3G pitch.
• This project is aimed at improving access for under-represented groups and has a strong women and girls focus, with recreational programmes such as Wildcats and Squad Girls, in addition to the proposed growth of ten new women and girls teams in the next five years. 
• Sessions are also proposed free of charge through Colchester United Community Trust, as well as mental health provision and walking football.
• The new 3G pitch allows football to migrate out of the indoor sports hall providing an opportunity for greater collaboration and usage of other sports such as Pickleball, Badminton, Netball and Basketball which will be possible in the existing indoor space.

Wales – Afan United Project

• The project received £315,360 towards a full size artificial grass pitch upgrade and new changing pavilion.
• It is a multi-sport flagship project, including rugby and rounders activity.
• The site offers a percentage of priority use slots to women and girls.

Northern Ireland – Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Foyle Arena 3G Development project 

• This project received £200,842 towards a full size artificial grass pitch upgrade.
• It is a multi sport flagship project, including Cricket, Rugby, Running, GAA and PE school activity
• Derry City FC Women will use this facility as their home facility

Team Up campaign: 

• The campaign unites sport to tackle male loneliness, promote social connection, and highlight support for men’s mental health. 
• During the week of 26 January – 1 February, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working with the Premier League, EFL, Rugby Football Union, England and Wales Cricket Board and Movember on the campaign, using sport’s collective voice to show young men that help is out there and where they can find it.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 14 January 2026.

Towns across the country can now apply to become the first UK Town of Culture.

• Applications will be open until 31 March 2026 for Expressions of Interest 
• Competition delivers on the government’s Plan for Change, driving local economic growth and opportunity

The government has taken its latest step in renewing the country by launching the first ever UK Town of Culture competition. 

With 11 weeks to apply, the competition is open to small, medium and large towns, with the winner delivering a vibrant cultural programme. Showcasing towns’ local visions and voices – through new arts venues, performances, workshops and more – this competition brings local investment, creates a lasting sense of pride in towns, and opens doors to the arts for everyone.  

Towns can submit their Expressions of Interest now. Sir Phil Redmond will lead an expert panel, judging towns on the way they’ll tell their unique story, how they’ll bring everyone in a community together, and how towns will deliver on their vision. The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.

Three finalists – one small, one medium, one large town – will be chosen. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, from refreshed community infrastructure to electric music festivals.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest for UK Town of Culture 2028 is 31 March 2026, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this Spring. 

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 

There is so much for us to be proud of in the towns we’re from – from the rich, local history to unique festivals and celebrations. They have shaped our national story for decades. Now it’s time they take centre stage and showcase the unique stories they have to tell.  

We have seen the transformative power of culture through the UK City of Culture competition. I want to make sure that towns have the same opportunity to make a real difference to their local community and show the world exactly why their town is so special.

This competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in October 2025, provides a platform for communities across the country to tell their own unique story and shines a spotlight on the vital role towns play in our national life. 

From Torquay to Thurso and Brecon to Ballycastle, Britain is interlinked by a rich network of towns, each with their own history and identity.

This is part of the Prime Minister’s ambition to restore pride in every part of Britain as he serves the whole of the country. 

British towns are brimming with community spirit – we’re providing the opportunity to bring it to life. Increasing pride in local areas also encourages them to get out and about to museums, galleries and live performances, which also means more money spent supporting local businesses and jobs.

UK Town of Culture Chair, Sir Phil Redmond said: 

I am delighted to have been asked to Chair the new Town of Culture competition, as in the past it has been hard to adequately demonstrate the depth, breadth and diversity of the UK’s cultural landscape through the UK City of Culture’s urban lens. 

The two competitions will complement each other while providing more opportunities for more places to both demonstrate and celebrate that creativity is not confined to the great urban concert halls, theatres or galleries. It is in everything we do together. In every town, village, neighbourhood, street or road. 

UK Town of Culture asks what makes your town special? What makes its people proud to be there? And why should that be celebrated?

This follows the government in November 2025 launching its Pride in Place Programme, providing up to £10 billion to support 244 towns across the country whose communities have been let down by decline and systematic under-investment. Under this scheme, communities will be able to spend the funding on what matters most to them – from improvements to pavements and high streets to investing in culture and green spaces.

Building on proven success

The UK Town of Culture competition builds on the success of UK City of Culture, which has delivered transformative benefits for its four winners. Bradford, last year’s title holder, is projected to benefit from £389 million in growth across the district, with city centre footfall up 25% during its year in the spotlight. Early estimates show audiences for its City of Culture programme exceeded 3 million, with 80% of local residents surveyed saying it improved their wellbeing and made them feel proud of where they live. 

The UK City of Culture competition has proven that culture and investment work hand in hand, delivering community renewal that revitalises everything from high streets to job opportunities.

The search for UK City of Culture 2029 is already underway for Expressions of Interest from cities, larger towns, regions and groups of places. The winning place for UK City of Culture 2029 will be awarded £10 million. 

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 13 January 2026.

The Secretary of State has appointed Emma Clancy, Russell Procter and Kate Staples as Members of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority Board for a term of three years.

Emma Clancy

Emma is an experienced leader in both the public and private sector and formerly served as Chair of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC). She served the committee for over 9 years and headed up a number of committees providing expert advice to Government, helping to develop the future regulatory framework for buildings addressing sustainability and safety issues.

She boasts a wealth of experience in consumer protection, public policy and regulation during a career covering sectors including construction, water, banking, retail and not- for-profit organisations.

Emma was CEO of Certsure LLP for 15 years – the leading voluntary regulatory body in the electrical contracting and energy sector which is focused on raising standards. Emma’s leadership and innovative thinking was credited with modernising the not-for-profit joint venture – moving it up more than 20 places in The Times Top 100 Companies to work for in 2018.

She has also worked as Director of Care for BMI, the world’s largest manufacturer of building products. She currently leads the development of strategy for a FTSE 50 company and is also a non-executive director on the UKAS Board.

Russell Procter

Russ has over 30 years’ experience in the public sector, focussing on policing and community safety. He retired in 2024 as Assistant Chief Constable, known for his expertise in public order, public safety, civil contingencies, and major incident coordination. Russ spent the final 7 years of his service as a Gold Public Order Commander, leading complex operations and overseeing the planning and testing of emergency responses.

Throughout his career, Russ has worked closely with football clubs from League Two to the Premier League, along with a wide network of stakeholders, to enhance stadium safety and security. He has extensive experience of working alongside Club Executives, Ground Safety Officers, Safety Advisory Groups, Blue Light Services, Supporter Forums, and UEFA.

Currently, Russ serves as a consultant Match Day Safety and Security Observer for the English Football League, supporting ground safety teams nationwide. He is also an associate with the College of Policing, where he delivers Gold Public Order and Public Safety Command training, as well as re-accreditation courses to senior leaders across the country.

Kate Staples

Kate Staples has extensive experience in the regulation of safety-critical sectors and the protection of consumers. Kate was the General Counsel & Secretary to the CAA until December 2021, holding the role for over 11 years. During that time Kate was also a Trustee of the Air Travel Trust, and of the CAA’s pension scheme, and company secretary to the CAA’s two subsidiaries: ASSI Ltd and CAA International Ltd. She was Director of

Governance and Legal Services at the Care Quality Commission throughout 2023. Kate is now an Independent Commissioner at the Data & Marketing Commission, the guardians of responsible data and marketing. She is also a Director of CAAPS Ltd, a large defined benefit pension scheme. Before joining the CAA, Kate worked at the Department for Transport, and at a leading City law firm. 

Emma Clancy, Russell Procter and Kate Staples have been appointed for a term of three years, commencing on 12 January 2026 until 11 January 2029.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Board Members of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority are remunerated £265 a day.

These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. 

Emma Clancy, Russell Procter and Kate Staples have declared no such political activity. 

Notes to Editors

DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 7 January 2026.

The Secretary of State has appointed Madeleine Campbell as Board Member of the Horserace Betting Levy Board for a term of four years.

Madeleine Campbell 

Madeleine is the Professor of Veterinary Ethics at the University of Nottingham and an EBVS and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, and Law. A leading authority in her field, she holds several high-level leadership roles, including Chair of the British Equestrian Federation’s Ethics and Welfare Advisory Group and Chair of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s Welfare and Veterinary Standing Committee.

She serves as an Independent Member of the Federation Equestre Internationale Welfare and Ethics Advisory Group and an Independent Member of the British Horseracing Authority’s Ethics Panel. 

Madeleine Campbell has been appointed for a term of four years, commencing on 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Board Members of the Horserace Betting Levy Board are remunerated £19,665 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. 

Madeleine Campbell has declared no political activity.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 10 December 2025.

Government plans will offer young people somewhere to go, something meaningful to do, and someone who cares about their wellbeing in moves to strengthen their connections in real life.

• Ambitious 10-year plan to give 500,000 more young people access to a trusted adult outside their home and equip them with skills to boost their resilience and stay safe online
• National Youth Strategy to deliver up to 250 new or refurbished youth centres, 50 Young Futures Hubs, and new support for youth workers, backed by over £500 million of investment

Young people across England will benefit from over £500 million of government investment as the first National Youth Strategy in 15 years is published today, setting out an ambitious delivery plan to rebuild youth services over the next decade. 

‘Youth Matters’ has been co-produced with more than 14,000 young people across England through a landmark ‘State of the Nation’ survey. It represents a fundamental shift in how the government will support young people over the next decade – turning the tide from isolation online, to real life connections. 

Local government spending on youth services fell by 73% between 2010/11 and 2022/23, with more than 1,000 youth centres closing and over 4,500 youth worker roles being lost. The Prime Minister has spoken of young people being “collateral damage” over the past decade and how this must be turned around, with the government investing in the potential of young people – offering them the chance for real life connections to support their talent and potential. 

A centrepiece of the National Youth Strategy centres around additional investment to transform youth services. The government is committing over £500 million of new funding, which will:

• Build or refurbish up to 250 youth facilities over the next four years, as well as providing equipment for activities to around 2500 youth organisations, through a new £350 million ‘Better Youth Spaces’ programme. It will provide safe and welcoming spaces, offering young people somewhere to go, something meaningful to do, and someone who cares about their wellbeing.
• Launch a network of 50 Young Futures Hubs by March 2029 as part of a local transformation programme of  £70 million, providing access to youth workers and other professionals, supporting their wellbeing and career development and preventing them from harm.
• The first eight hubs to be operational by March 2026 are in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, County Durham, Nottingham, Bristol, Tower Hamlets, and Brighton and Hove.
• Support organisations in underserved areas to deliver high-quality youth work and activities through a ‘Richer Young Lives Fund’ worth over £60 million.
• Boost young people’s wellbeing, personal development, and essential life skills through a new £22.5 million programme of support around the school day in up to 400 schools.
• Recruit and train youth workers, volunteers and other trusted adults with £15 million of investment. 
• Strengthen youth services through £5 million to improve local partnerships, better information sharing, and digital infrastructure, ensuring young people receive high-quality, safe, and effective support in their communities.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:

“As a dad and as Prime Minister, I believe it is our generation’s greatest responsibility to turn the tide on the lost decade of young kids left as collateral damage. It is our moral mission. 

“Today, my government sets out a clear, ambitious and deliverable plan – investing in the next generation so that every child has the chance to see their talents take them as far as their ability can.” 

“That is also why we will ensure that if you choose an apprenticeship, you will have the same respect and opportunity as everyone else, as we get two-thirds of young people in higher-level learning or apprenticeships.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

“The challenges facing young people today are urgent and demand a major change in direction. For too long, youth policy has been an afterthought. This generation deserves better.

“Young people are the most digitally connected but also the most isolated in generations with many wanting more meaningful real life connections. Young people have been crystal clear in speaking up in our consultation: they need support for their mental health, spaces to meet with people in their communities and real opportunities to thrive. We will give them what they want. Today’s National Youth Strategy puts young people at the heart of decision-making and begins to rebuild the youth services that were decimated over the past decade.

“From Young Futures Hubs in local communities to hundreds of millions of pounds invested in youth facilities to transforming the services that support them – we will give young people somewhere to go, something meaningful to do, and someone who cares about their wellbeing. They have spoken – now we’re delivering for them.”

Over the next decade this strategy will also reverse the decline in local government spending with plans for: 

• Half a million more young people to be given access to a trusted adult outside their home, helping equip them with essential skills, such as resilience or how to manage their online safety, to help them transition to adulthood and adapt to a digital world. 
• The government aims to halve the gap in who gets to do meaningful activities between richer and poorer families. This covers after school activities, as well as those in the evenings, weekends and holidays
• It delivers on key government missions within the Plan for Change: spreading opportunities, making streets safer and taking pressure off the NHS.

What young people said

The measures respond directly to the landmark ‘State of the Nation’ survey commissioned by the Culture Secretary, and published alongside the strategy today. It sets out the reality of what it is like to grow up in England in 2025, painting a vivid picture of their experiences growing up in a world shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost of living crisis, an always-on digital world, and ongoing global uncertainty.

It reveals stark concerns from young people about a lack of mental health support, growing social isolation and an absence of youth services in their communities. 

While young people today are the most digitally connected generation, the report highlights that they face unprecedented levels of isolation, among the highest globally. They want more opportunities to connect in person safe spaces to go to, better mental health support, guidance for their education and careers, greater access to enriching activities and opportunities, and tools to engage positively online and offline. 

Building on recent investment

The National Youth Strategy marks the start of a decade of sustained investment in young people, building on:

• The Culture Secretary’s ‘Every Child Can’ commitment, backed by £132.5 million from the Dormant Assets scheme in June. 
• The Department for Work and Pensions’ £820 million funding package announced this week to support young people across Great Britain into employment and training, creating almost 300,000 more skills and training opportunities for young people on Universal Credit, and a £725 million package of reforms to the apprenticeship system to help tackle youth unemployment and drive economic growth, with thousands more young people expected to benefit over the next three years.
• In September the Prime Minister set bold new targets for apprenticeships of two-thirds of young people participating in higher-level learning – academic, technical or apprenticeships – by age 25, up from 50%.
• The Department for Culture, Media and Sport recently announced over £400 million will be invested in new and upgraded local community sport facilities over the next four years, plus Sport England’s £250 million investment in youth sport and physical activity.

ENDS

Additional quotes: 

Leigh Middleton OBE, CEO of the National Youth Agency: “The National Youth Strategy puts young people at the centre of change, reflecting what they have said they need: safe spaces, trusted adults, and real opportunities to thrive. Youth work is essential in delivering these plans, and the Strategy makes that clear. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure this ambition is matched with action, delivering equity and lasting improvements for every young person.” 

Alex Holmes OBE, The Diana Award: “For a quarter of a century The Diana Award has shown what happens when you back young people with trust, resources and a platform. It’s been inspiring to see this National Youth Strategy built with young people, not just for them. The next 10 years must be about turning their ideas into action and giving young people the tools and confidence to hold us, as adults and institutions, to the promises we’ve made.”

Jonathan Hopkins, Centre for Young Lives (member of the DCMS Expert Advisory Group): “This is a strategy by young people, for young people that we all benefit from. It is a generational shift in how young people are seen and heard. Backed by commitments like Young Futures to turn lives around, it will deliver a more confident and close knit society.” 

Dan Lawes, CEO of My Life My Say: “I’ve seen firsthand that the greatest successes of the National Youth Strategy come from one simple principle: putting young people at the centre. Its strength lies in the fact that youth voices didn’t just contribute to its composition — they shaped its direction, its priorities and its purpose. By listening to young people every step of the way, we’ve created a strategy that is not only credible and representative, but one that I hope will deliver real, lasting change.”

Paul Lindley, entrepreneur, campaigner, author: “This Youth Strategy puts young people exactly where they belong — at the heart of decisions that shape their lives. By rebuilding the local places, services and relationships that help them feel seen, supported and able to belong, it tackles the postcode lottery of opportunity and invests in a generation whose potential is extraordinary.”

Sophie Pender, Founder, The 93% Club: “The National Youth Strategy represents hope: targeted investment in the working class communities too often overlooked. It strengthens our mission to show the state schoolers, the kids on the council estates, the ones whose youth has been shaped by limited resources, that they matter too.” 

Kadra Abdinasir, Associate Director of Policy, Centre for Mental Health: “The National Youth Strategy is an important cross-government opportunity to strengthen young people’s mental health. Trusted adults, safe community spaces and early support are all key to preventing mental health problems escalating. By expanding these opportunities nationwide, the strategy can help ensure every young person feels supported, connected and able to thrive.” 

Zafeera Karim​, Member of Youth Parliament, said: “From a teacher, I learned, ​’If someone says you are the future, say no. I am the present; I have things to do now.​’ Those words resonate because young people are already acting, supporting one another, and taking on responsibilities that often go unseen. This National Youth Strategy matters because it has the potential to listen to these realities, address structural barriers, center voices too often excluded from decision-making, and provide practical support that engages with the work already happening. My hope is that this strategy will recognise what young people and their communities are already doing today and strengthen this work with sincerity at its origin and soundness in its fulfillment to create responsible, lasting change.​”

Notes to editors:

1. The full National Youth Strategy and the State of the Nation report are available at GOV.UK.
2. Youth summaries of both the main strategy and report are available alongside associated research.
3. The ‘State of the Nation’ survey engaged 14,134 young people and was conducted in  partnership with Savanta, My Life My Say, the #iwill Movement and Youth Collaborators
4. The consultation included focus groups, discussions and workshops with Ministers, officials and youth sector organisations.
5. A Youth Advisory Group of 14 young people from across England was convened to help shape the strategy.
6. According to the latest statistics from the OECD, 15-year-olds in the UK spend more time on their digital devices than the average OECD country. 
7. In a study of 40 countries, 11, 13 and 15-year-olds in England ranked among the highest in reporting that they feel lonely most of the time or always (HBSC, 2022).
8. According to the Office for National Statistics, there are about 10.6 million young people aged 10-24 in England.