Tag: Department for Culture and Media

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 18 May 2023.

Operator of VisitEngland and VisitBritain is being independently reviewed to ensure the organisation is effectively supporting tourism across Great Britain.

• Part of cross-government review of public bodies to ensure taxpayer money spent on them delivers the best possible outcomes
• Emir Feisal, Non-Executive Director at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, appointed to lead the review

The British Tourist Authority (BTA) is undergoing an independent review to ensure the organisation is efficiently and effectively supporting the development of Great Britain’s tourism industry.

The review is looking at how the operator of national tourist boards VisitEngland and VisitBritain support places across Great Britain to develop and market high-quality tourist offerings, create jobs in the sector and boost the economy.

The review is part of a larger, annual cross-government assessment programme launched by the Cabinet Office in 2022 to continuously evaluate if public organisations are meeting their objectives and effectively delivering results for taxpayers.

Emir Feisal, Non-Executive Director at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, and Chair of Audit & Risk Committee, has been selected to act as the independent Lead Reviewer. He is supported by officials from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

The review team is engaging with a broad range of stakeholders in the tourism sector, operating across the UK.

Tourism Minister John Whittingdale said:

Tourism showcases the best that Britain has to offer, our rich culture, heritage and natural beauty. It accounts for over four million jobs across the UK and remains a strong driver of growth, contributing hundreds of billions of pounds to the economy every year.

As tourism continues to recover after the pandemic, it is only right that there is an independent health check of the British Tourist Authority to recognise areas of success and where we can improve to realise the industry’s full potential.

Recommendations outlined in the final report will be published once the review is complete.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 5 May 2023.

Members of the Armed Forces, frontline emergency service workers and people actively contributing to The King’s Coronation will be among the 400,000 people to receive a Coronation Medal, the design of which is unveiled today.

• Culture Secretary unveils design of Medal to mark Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen Consort
• Medal will be given to Armed Forces, frontline emergency service workers and those taking part in the Coronation
• Medals, made of nickel silver and plated in nickel, feature image of The King and Queen Camilla

The Medal acts as a thank you gift from the nation to commemorate the Coronation for the people who will make the historic service happen.

Everyone actively contributing and supporting the Coronation on 6 May – including choristers, police officers, military personnel and St John Ambulance personnel – as well as those directly involved in the delivery of the Coronation are eligible.

It will also be given to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and armed forces that have completed five full calendar years of service. It is expected that more than 400,000 Coronation Medals will be issued.

The design features a double portrait of Their Majesties on the front and a version of the Royal Cypher, a laurel wreath and the date of the Coronation on the reverse.

The ribbon is made up of red, blue and white vertical stripes – the colours of the Union Flag and are made of nickel silver and plated in nickel.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

The Coronation Medal will act as a reminder of the important part each person has played in this moment of history. From our Armed Forces who protect our country to the emergency services who care for us at home, alongside those volunteers who are giving up their time to make this event so special, I am delighted that we can mark their contribution to this special day, and for each and every day that they go above and beyond serving their country.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said:

The Coronation would not be possible without the dedication and selfless service shown by our armed forces and other public servants. This Medal is a fitting recognition of their efforts, and a thank you from the nation. It will be worn with pride for years to come.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

This Medal is a symbol of the critical role our emergency services will play in this potentially once in a lifetime opportunity to honour our new King. However, it rightly also goes further and recognises not just those who are helping at the Coronation, but the heroes across our emergency services, such as the police, fire and rescue services, that go to work every day to protect and support us all.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Our Armed Forces and the Monarch have a unique bond. Our histories and customs mirror the reigns of Kings and Queens. Our deployments are in their names and our allegiance is sworn by each and every one of us. The Coronation Medal will celebrate that bond and allow huge numbers of service personnel to reaffirm that linkage as King Charles is crowned our new Monarch.

The double portrait of The King and Queen Consort on the front of the newly unveiled Coronation Medal was designed by Martin Jennings who also designed the official effigy of The King for the new coins issued by the Royal Mint. The Medal is made by Worcestershire Medal Service Ltd in Birmingham.

Those who will receive the Medal for the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen Consort are:

• Individuals who have actively contributed to the official Coronation events in Westminster Abbey and processions, and other officially recognised ceremonial Coronation events;
• Serving members of the Armed Forces who have completed five full calendar years of service on 6 May 2023 or participate in Armed Forces Coronation events during the course of 2023;
• Frontline emergency personnel who have been in paid service, retained or in a voluntary capacity, dealing with emergencies as part of their conditions of service, and completed five full calendar years of service on 6 May 2023;
• Prison services personnel who are publicly employed and who have completed five full calendar years of service on 6 May 2023;
• Living individual recipients of the George Cross or of the Victoria Cross.

The tradition of Coronation Medals dates to the reign of King James I when the first Medal was awarded in 1603. This Medal featured a bust of James I wearing the costume of a Roman Emperor. Its reverse included a crowned lion rampant holding a beacon and a wheat sheaf.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 28 April 2023.

Participants in grassroots sports will be better protected from the potentially devastating effects of head injuries and concussion thanks to new official guidelines advising: ‘if in doubt, sit them out’.

• First ever UK-wide concussion guidance published to help people identify, manage and prevent concussion affecting players in grassroots sport
• ‘If in doubt, sit them out’ becomes new call-to-action for all players, coaches, parents, schools and National Governing Bodies and sports administrators
• Guidance, developed by clinicians, academics and sports governing bodies, forms part of Government’s Action Plan on Concussion designed for all grassroots sport

The Government and the Sport and Recreation Alliance today publishes the first UK-wide Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport which will help players, coaches, parents, schools, National Governing Bodies and sports administrators to identify, manage and prevent the issue.

The guidelines, developed by an expert panel of domestic and international clinicians and academics in neurology and sports medicine, sets out steps to improve understanding and awareness of the prevention and treatment of concussion in grassroots sport where trained medical professionals are less likely to be routinely present. It is targeted at people of all ages.

‘If in doubt, sit them out’ is the strapline, making clear no-one should return to sport within 24 hours of a suspected concussion and builds on guidance already introduced in Scotland.

Players, parents, coaches, teachers and administrators are now asked to read the guidance and familiarise themselves with the necessary steps to:

• RECOGNISE the signs of concussion;
• REMOVE anyone suspected of being concussed immediately and;
• RETURN safely to daily activity, education/work and, ultimately, sport.

The guidelines include a recommendation to call NHS 111 within 24 hours of a potential concussion, to rest and sleep as much as needed for the first 24 to 48 hours and avoid using devices which involve screen time.

In addition, a graduated return to activity such as work, education and sport is advised to reduce the risks of slow recovery, further brain injury and longer-term problems. Individuals should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional if symptoms persist for more than four weeks.

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:

“Sport keeps us healthy and active but it is not without risk and major injuries to the head can and do happen.

“Research has shown the importance of fast and effective tailored treatment and we are issuing expert guidance to help people spot and treat head injuries.

“Whether used in a local leisure centre during a swimming lesson or on a village green during a cricket match, the guidance will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The move meets a commitment set out in the Government’s Action Plan on Concussion in 2021 to introduce a national approach to prevent concussion and brain injury in sport, and to do so through a combination of improved research and new technologies.

It follows increasing focus on the long-term negative health effects from brain injury and concussion sustained while playing sport. This is linked to advances in training, coaching, equipment and technology which have led to stronger, faster and better-trained players at all levels.

Development of the guidelines has been led by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, Professor James Calder, chair of the expert drafting group, and Laurence Geller, the Government’s Adviser on Concussion in Sport. The expert drafting group drew upon existing field research, with the aim of producing a consistent and preventative approach across all sports in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It builds upon the world-leading work conducted in Scotland which was the first nation in the world to produce guidelines covering all types and levels of sport. Its guidance was updated in March 2021.

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Adviser to the UK Government said:

“These guidelines help players, referees, schools, parents and others balance the substantial health and social benefits and enjoyment from taking part in sport with minimising the rare but serious and potentially lifelong effects of concussion.”

Laurence Geller CBE, UK government independent concussion advisor and Chairman of the ‘Love of the Game’ campaign, said:

“Today’s announcement marks an important step forward for players of grassroots sport.

“The guidelines have been developed by leading minds from across the scientific, sporting and academic fields and will make sure all people from school sports coaches to NHS specialist clinicians are unified in common understanding and practice on concussion.

“It will protect sportspeople at all levels and mean they can participate in the sports they love.”

Professor James Calder, Chair of the UK Concussion Guidelines Expert Drafting Group, said:

“For the first time we have UK-wide guidance that raises awareness of concussion in grassroots sport at all levels. It provides practical evidence-based advice for those who may have sustained a concussion and gives a step by step plan for their safe return to work, education, exercise and full sport.

“Participation in sport and exercise is crucial for the nation’s mental and physical health and, with appropriate management, the vast majority of those who sustain a concussion during sport should make a full recovery.”

Professor Willie Stewart, Glasgow University, said:

“The release of these guidelines represents a world-leading landmark in sports concussion management.

“Based on the pragmatic, precautionary approach to immediate concussion management of ‘if in doubt, sit them out’, followed by an emphasis on individualised, self-managed return to normal life and sport, these guidelines set the standard for grassroots concussion management that all sports across the UK will follow.”

Simon Shaw MBE, former England rugby union player and President of the ‘Love of the Game’ campaign, said:

“Concussion in sport can be a serious issue if not managed properly and, as a former sportsperson, I’ve seen first-hand the impact head injuries can have.

“Whether playing football as part of a Sunday league or training for a boxing match, it’s crucial that sportspeople at every level are protected.

“This guidance will help everyone involved in grassroots sport recognise the signs of concussion and remove people from play where necessary. The information is clear: ‘If in doubt, sit them out.’

Lisa Wainwright MBE, Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO:

“Concussion is a serious issue and we must always strive to make sport as safe as possible for all those who take part at a grassroots level in clubs, schools and many other settings every week across the UK.

“The Sport and Recreation Alliance is pleased to have supported the development of these guidelines which will ensure there is a consistent, evidence-based approach to concussion in sport across all four home nations.

“When it comes to concussion, the message is clear: if in doubt, sit them out.”

Participation in sport and physical activity provides significant mental health and wellbeing benefits, including reducing the risk of developing dementia in later life. As well as preventing or lowering the risk of health conditions like stroke, heart disease, cancer and depression, it can also help reduce pressure on the NHS in the longer term. It is important that adults continue to follow the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity a week, and children 60 minutes a day, as per The Chief Medical Officer’s recommendations.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 27 April 2023.

People at risk of gambling-related harm will be better protected under government plans to update betting rules for the digital age.

• Plans include a mandatory levy on betting firms to pay for treatment of addiction, new player protection checks and stake limits for online slots
• Move will see Gambling Commission get tougher powers and follows recent high-profile fines against gambling operators for failing to protect people at risk
• Problem gambling affects an estimated 300,000 people and can lead to people losing life-changing sums of money

Millions of people enjoy gambling every year – whether that be putting money on a horse, playing at a casino, or a bet on the football – and much of this is now done through smartphones. Technology has transformed the industry and people can bet 24 hours a day through ‘mobile virtual casinos’ in their pockets.

Most people play without issue, but there are too many cases of addiction, catastrophic financial loss and, in some tragic cases, suicide. For example, one player was allowed to lose £70,000 over a 10-hour period, while one customer was allowed to place a £100,000 bet immediately, even though he had a £70,000 credit limit.

Estimates suggest that there are approximately 300,000 problem gamblers in the UK – and problem gambling rates are higher for players in online casino games than those playing in bingo halls, casinos and pubs.

Last month, the Gambling Commission fined William Hill over £19 million for failures including allowing a customer to spend £23,000 in just 20 minutes.

Betting companies are already required to prevent harm, but there have been repeated instances where they have allowed losses which the majority of the population could never afford. The measures set out today will shield players in the grip of addiction from harm and hold gambling firms to account when they fail in their responsibility. They include:

• A statutory gambling operator levy to ensure that operators help fund treatment services and research, including through the NHS. ​Currently the size of the contribution is not mandated and not all betting companies pay their fair share – some have paid as little as £1.
• New stake limits for online slots games that will be between £2 and £15 per spin. We will also consult on measures to give greater protections for 18–24 year olds who the evidence shows are at heightened risk of harm.
• Frictionless player protection checks to protect those most at risk of harm before unaffordable or harmful losses are incurred.
• Extra powers for the Gambling Commission to enable it to tackle black market operators through court orders and work with internet service providers (ISPs) to take down and block illegal gambling sites.
• Rules to prevent bonus offers harming vulnerable people – for example, looking at how free bets or spins are constructed and targeted to stop them being harmful.
• Closing loopholes to make sure under-18s cannot gamble either online or via cash fruit machines, and includes bringing football pools betting in line with National Lottery play for over-18s only.
• A new industry ombudsman to deal with disputes and rule on redress where a customer suffers losses due to an operator failing in their player protection duties.
• A review of the current horserace betting levy to make certain racing continues to thrive.

These are the most comprehensive reforms to the gambling sector since the Gambling Act was introduced in 2005, and delivers on the 2019 manifesto commitment to review this act.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

We live in an age where people have a virtual mobile casino in their pockets. It has made gambling easier, quicker and often more fun, but when things go wrong it can see people lose thousands of pounds in a few swipes of the screen.

So we are stepping in to update the law for those most at risk of harm with a new levy on gambling operators to pay for treatment and education, player protection checks and new online slots stake limits.

This will strengthen the safety net and help deliver our long-term plan to help build stronger communities while allowing millions of people to continue to play safely.

Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said:

Technology has completely transformed how people bet. Everyone has the freedom to enjoy a flutter on the horses or football through their phones, anytime, anywhere – and most people do so without any issues.

But for some people the availability of 24/7 online betting has compounded or created problem gambling, which can lead to life-changing financial loss and in the most tragic cases suicide.

The legislation covering the gambling sector was written in 2005. It needs updating to reflect how we live today. The measures we are announcing will protect at-risk players, while allowing the millions who bet regularly to do so unhindered.

Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, said:

The review is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver positive change for gambling in Great Britain and for all people impacted by it. Everyone at the Commission welcomes today’s publication of the White Paper and is determined to work with government and partners to make these changes a reality.

Given the correct powers and resources, the Gambling Commission can continue to make gambling safer, fairer and crime free. This White Paper is a coherent package of proposals which we believe can significantly support and protect consumers, and improve overall standards in the industry.

As the detailed implementation of the review now begins, we will also be reiterating to all operators that the Commission will strongly maintain its focus on consumer protection and compliance.

Minister for Public Health, Neil O’Brien said:

Without the right support in place gambling can easily become harmful – especially for at-risk players – leading to devastating impacts on people’s savings, relationships and health.

Today’s white paper is a huge step towards protecting people from the damaging impacts of gambling.

A statutory levy will help problem gamblers access the right care at the right time, complementing our commitment to provide NHS gambling addiction treatment clinics in every region across the country.

Today’s White Paper and proposals follow a call for evidence and are based on nearly 16,000 written submissions sent to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) during the process.

They build on the government’s recent work with the Gambling Commission and others to ban the use of credit cards in gambling, introduce tighter age verification checks for betting online and cutting the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to £2 per spin.

The white paper follows the Premier League’s voluntary decision to ban gambling advertising from the front of clubs’ shirts from the end of the 2025/2026 season, and the White Paper includes proposals for all major sports governing bodies to sign up to a cross-sport Code of Practice on gambling sponsorship. It will be designed to improve standards where gambling sponsorship is prevalent in sport similar to what is in place in the alcohol industry.

The white paper will support the ‘land-based’ gambling sector including casinos, arcades and bingo halls, while maintaining safeguards to protect vulnerable groups. Bingo halls, seaside arcades and casinos create employment, generate tourism and provide entertainment. Outdated and overly restrictive rules on gaming machines will be reformed so casinos and arcades can have more machines. We will consult on the protections needed for gaming machines to be able to accept cashless payments directly.

The measures

Statutory gambling operator levy

The first statutory gambling operator levy will replace the current voluntary levy which is not fit for purpose. As it stands not all betting companies pay their fair share and some have paid as little as £1. The NHS and many researchers do not take funds from the voluntary levy due to their concerns over the source of funding.

A new levy will be paid by gambling companies. Its proceeds will be ring-fenced for funding for research, education and treatment, including through the NHS.

The levy will be collected by the Gambling Commission and spending will be approved by the government. The rate will be subject to further consultation, which will take into account factors such as business size, operating costs and problem gambling rates. The government’s priority is to ensure there is sufficient long-term funding for high-quality research and treatment of gambling harm and addiction.

New online stake limit

A new stake limit for online slots will be introduced with the default maximum stake of between £2 and £15 per spin, subject to consultation. The measure will help prevent runaway and life-changing losses and level the playing field between the online and land-based sectors. As it stands there is no limit on bets for online slots whereas in-person slot machines in pubs, arcades, bookmakers have a limit of £2 and casinos have limits of up to £5.

Public Health England research has shown younger adults can be particularly vulnerable to gambling harms, and with a problem gambling rate of 8.5 per cent for online slots, casinos and bingo, the government will launch a consultation on options for specific protections for under 25s, including a lower stake limit or other controls.

Player protection checks

In a move aimed at supporting those who may be suffering harm or in the grip of addiction, gambling operators will now be required to do more to protect customers.

Betting companies will be required to conduct seamless player protection checks on the highest spending gamblers to check they’re not incurring harmful losses. These checks will happen instantaneously, and will not impact gameplay, unless there are signs of financial harm where people may have declared bankruptcy, or are racking up debts to fund their gambling.

The checks will be targeted to where there is the most risk of harm. They are not about checking up on people having a flutter on the football or placing the odd bet on horse racing.

Around eight in ten players will never undergo checks. Checks will happen in the background against information already available online, so those who are checked will not notice.

Only about three percent of the highest spending accounts will have more detailed checks, similar to those carried out when people buy products through online credit agencies or sign up to some mobile phone contracts.

New powers for the Gambling Commission

New powers will be given to the Gambling Commission to tackle and block unlicensed black market gambling firms from operating in the United Kingdom. It will do so through court orders and work with ISPs.

Illegal operators often try to subvert the system, including on player protection requirements, and this move will further strengthen the regulatory environment protecting those most at risk of harm.

The White Paper proposes reforming the fee structure for the Gambling Commission to give it greater flexibility to respond to any emerging risks and challenges posed by the industry. While the Commission continues to take strong action against operators who break the rules, cases with devastating financial harm are still occurring, and in the worst cases lives are being lost as a result of gambling harm and addiction.

Restricting bonus offers

The call for evidence showed that while millions of people enjoy an occasional bet every year without issue, particular groups such as those suffering addiction and harm, are at greater risk from certain aggressive advertising practices.

Bonus offers, such as free bets or spins, can drive harmful behaviour and trigger people to spend more than they intended. The Gambling Commission will take a closer look at how bonuses are constructed and targeted to prevent them being used in harmful ways and its work will inform new rules to stop dangerous practices.

Horseracing levy

The knock-on impact of the gambling White Paper on the horseracing industry will be minimal, but there will be a review into the current horserace betting levy to make certain racing continues to be appropriately funded for the future.

Other measures

In addition, the government’s white paper also today confirms it will:

• Remove loopholes to prevent under-18s from accessing any form of online gambling, cash prize fruit machines or widely accessible scratchcards;
• Review the fees which local authorities can charge for premise licences and create new powers for local leaders to conduct impact assessments when considering new applications.
• Review of online game design rules to look at limiting speed of play and other characteristics which exacerbate risks.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 21 April 2023.

A new, independent report has revealed that the Government’s unprecedented £1.57 billion package of emergency cultural funding during the pandemic was delivered efficiently, helping support nearly 220,000 jobs and 5,000 organisations.

• 5,000 organisations and sites supported through Culture Recovery Fund
• Almost 220,000 jobs supported thanks to Government funding
• Report shows cultural organisations are better placed to have a strong future thanks to the support they received

A new, independent report has revealed that the Government’s unprecedented £1.57 billion package of emergency cultural funding during the pandemic was delivered efficiently, helping support nearly 220,000 jobs and 5,000 organisations.

The report, from Ecorys, provides clear evidence that the Culture Recovery Fund worked, helping to safeguard important institutions, protect jobs and preserve our country’s world-class cultural offering.

It shows that the Culture Recovery Fund increased the income of supported cultural organisations by 140% during the pandemic. This helped not only to ensure their survival but to bring in audiences in new and innovative ways while organisations were closed or social distancing restrictions were in place.

It also found that, once organisations were able to reopen as normal, they often did so with a new and improved offering thanks to the support they received from the Culture Recovery Fund, which was delivered in partnership with Arts Council England, the British Film Institute, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Historic England.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

“ This report reaffirms that the Recovery Fund was money well spent. It protected our finest cultural institutions from collapse, saved countless jobs across the country and put the entire cultural sector on a stronger footing for the future.

“ As a direct result of this support, many organisations are now attracting new audiences with an improved offering, and their strengthened financial position means they are better placed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

“ Our world-leading cultural sector is helping to drive economic growth, one of our five priorities, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country. It has a special place in our national life and I am proud that it continues to thrive under this government.”

Arts & Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

“ The pandemic posed an existential threat to much-loved cultural institutions right across the country, and the brilliant people who work in them showed incredible resilience in the face of those challenges. I am proud of the way the Government stood by them, taking decisive action to protect them during lockdown and to support them when restrictions eased.

“ Since the pandemic, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many organisations which received this support – the largest ever investment in arts and culture in this country – and have been delighted to see how it has enabled theatres, museums, music venues, cinemas, galleries, heritage sites and more to bounce back and welcome people through their doors again to do the things we all love.

“ This report provides evidence of the thousands of organisations the Culture Recovery Fund saved and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it supported. Everyone can be proud of the positive impact it had.”

The Culture Recovery Fund was unveiled by the then Chancellor Rishi Sunak in July 2020 as the Government took action to support our fantastic cultural sector as it dealt with the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. It protected iconic national institutions like the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company, cherished heritage sites like Moseley Road Baths, and smaller cultural organisations which play a vital and cherished role in communities across the country.

When the fund was introduced, organisations were in urgent need of support as their traditional income streams collapsed. The report found that the fund was delivered rapidly, and evolved as the pandemic progressed to meet ever-changing needs across the cultural sector.

More than 65% of funding was awarded to organisations outside London, and the report has found that the spending of supported organisations was 37% higher than it would have been in the absence of the programme, resulting in a total of £612 million of additional expenditure. This extra cash helped to keep the wider cultural ecosystem going while restrictions remained in place.

Cash reserves of supported organisations were also boosted by 188% compared to what they would have been in the absence of the Culture Recovery Fund, meaning that jobs were saved in the sector and organisations were brought back from the brink.

Since the pandemic, new challenges have emerged for the cultural sector, such as global inflation. This report also highlights how, thanks to the fund, recipients were better placed to meet these challenges head-on because of their improved financial positions.

The cultural sector creates jobs and drives economic growth through regeneration and the visitor economy, and the Culture Recovery Fund played a vital role in ensuring the sector can robustly deal with challenges in the future.

Arts Council England chief executive Darren Henley CBE said:

“ The Government’s Culture Recovery Fund was an unprecedented investment in the cultural life of our country.  Its support for cultural organisations across the country helped to preserve the vital infrastructure of our cultural economy, and put the sector in a stronger position to face the challenges of the post-pandemic world. We are extremely grateful for this support, which shows that the Government recognises the unique contribution that culture makes to our communities, economy and national life.”

Historic England chairman Sir Laurie Magnus said:

“ Historic places, heritage organisations and skilled craftspeople across the country were supported by the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund during the darkest days of the pandemic. This funding was a lifeline, helping to save much-loved visitor attractions, thousands of jobs and the specialist skills needed to keep the wheels of heritage turning. Thanks to this support, many precious historic places can continue to offer a sense of pride, wonder and connection, both now and for generations to come.”

BFI Chair Tim Richards said:

“ As an industry we’re hugely grateful for the support provided by the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund to independent cinemas during the pandemic. The funding has enabled many to continue to play their vital role within communities across the country providing jobs, a platform for diverse content and shared social experiences that are proven to be good for mental wellbeing. Despite the steady recovery we’re seeing in the sector, the wider economic climate remains exceptionally challenging to many so the need to support Britain’s world-class film culture is as important as ever.”

Chairman of National Heritage Lottery Fund Dr Simon Thurley CBE said:

“ We welcome this evaluation, which shows the massive impact of the Culture Recovery Fund in helping heritage and culture to survive. The heritage sector faced serious risks and challenges in the pandemic. We responded speedily to distribute £50 million emergency funding from National Lottery players, but the needs of the sector required significantly more funding, and the Culture Recovery Fund from DCMS was a lifeline. We were delighted to be to play a pivotal role, in partnership with Historic England, to support our precious heritage. We are proud of the speed, depth and scale of collaboration by everyone involved in mobilising support for endangered places we all love. We are pleased this report shows the positive and lasting impact of that work.”

Neil Mendoza, Commissioner for Culture and Culture Recovery Board member, said:

“ In my role as Commissioner for Culture I have travelled up and down the country, and met countless recipients of Culture Recovery Fund support. Everywhere I go, I hear the same – that without this funding, organisations would not have survived, or would not be able to meet today’s challenges with the same confidence and creativity. It is wonderful to read today how this formal evaluation confirms that the fund had a really positive impact on the culture and creativity that we cherish in our country.”

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 16 April 2023.

Huge television screens will be in Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park for public viewing.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 14 April 2023.

A painting by Philip de László of two Indian soldiers who served in the First World War is at risk of leaving the UK unless a domestic buyer can be found.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 13 April 2023.

GLOBAL TV hits nominated for BAFTAs and Oscar Academy Awards survived and thrived through the pandemic thanks to the Government’s film and TV support package, which also boosted the country’s economy by £2.25 billion.

• Restart scheme supported more than 100,000 jobs for cast and crew on more than 1,000 productions including Gentleman Jack, His Dark Materials and Living
• Financial benefits generated by the scheme were 115 times greater than the cost of delivery
• Programme provided insurance to productions delayed or interrupted due to Covid

GLOBAL TV hits nominated for BAFTAs and Oscar Academy Awards survived and thrived through the pandemic thanks to the Government’s film and TV support package, which also boosted the country’s economy by £2.25 billion.

Oscar-nominated film Living, Bafta nominees Brian & Charles, Blue Jean and Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, as well as major productions including Gentleman Jack, Peaky Blinders and His Dark Materials, were all supported by the scheme. Smaller productions including Help and Steph’s Packed Lunch also got help.

The findings are published today in an independent report assessing the success of the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme, which was launched in July 2020 and has supported more than 1,200 productions.

The scheme was introduced when the country’s world-class screen industries were struggling to get Covid-related insurance cover from commercial insurers. It protected production companies in the event of new restrictions or outbreaks on set among cast and crew which could force a shutdown.

Productions using the scheme created 63,500 crew positions, plus a further 37,100 cast roles, meaning a total of up to 100,600 production industry workers were given a lifeline by the scheme during an extremely challenging economic period. The report also shows the scheme created 48,500 full-time jobs both directly in the sector and indirectly through supply chains.

The report, carried out by Nordicity & Saffery Champness LLP, found total benefits generated by the scheme were 115 times greater than the cost of delivery. The scheme contributed £2.25 billion to the economy thanks to the jobs created and positive impact on the sectors’ supply chains and wider economy, with costs to the Government expected to be just £19.6 million. This is lower than anticipated thanks to effective work by film and TV companies to manage the risks of Covid during production.

A survey of producers showed that, on average, 73 per cent of registered productions would not have been able to spend the amount of money they did if the scheme did not exist, meaning it helped to ensure the continued growth of the sectors.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

” Our screen industries are an economic powerhouse and we should be proud that the UK is firmly established as one of the best places in the world to create blockbuster content.

” When the pandemic threatened that success we stepped in to protect jobs, keep cameras rolling and ensure our producers could keep making the exceptional content that the UK is famous for.

” The Film and TV Restart Scheme protected productions that supported jobs, contributed to our economy and entertained audiences across the world.”

John McVay, chief executive of the screen industry trade body Pact, said:

“The swift actions of the UK Government to set up the PRS at a time of unprecedented crisis in the UK’s Film and TV industry showed that by working closely with a major UK industry public funds could be effectively used to support one of the UK’s key economic and cultural industries. The PRS saved many small British production businesses from failing while also helping support significant employment. But more importantly ensured that the UK public could continue to enjoy great British programmes and films.”

Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive said:

“Setting up the Film and Television Production Restart Scheme showed overnment and industry working together at their best and at speed, enabling cameras to roll and businesses, cast and crew to get back to work. Making this happen at a crucial time after production had ground to a halt will always be appreciated by the sector. It has played a major part in the industry’s recovery out of the pandemic in doing to enabled the industry to get more than a thousand productions made, contributed billions in production spend and revenues to economy and maintained global confidence in our world-leading production industry.”

Thanks to the scheme, productions could continue creating new content for audiences around the world while curbs remained on their social lives. It also enabled our world-class film and TV industries to continue to drive economic growth and create new jobs.

The scheme supported a large number of productions outside of London, with a total of 58 per cent of film and TV productions registered by the scheme based outside the capital.

Now that restrictions have ended, the film and TV sectors have been able to reach new heights thanks to the strong government backing they received during the pandemic. Last year saw a record £6.27 billion of production spend in the UK and the sectors are continuing to grow the economy and create jobs across the entire country.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 12 April 2023.

Crown Jewels to be projected onto Tower of London before touring iconic landmarks across the four nations

• The move is part of events to mark Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort’s Coronation celebrations which will see more than 100,000 people attend live screenings of the event next month at 57 UK sites
• It is also revealed today that 50,000 Coronation Big Lunches to mark the event are expected

A new immersive light and sound show displaying the Crown Jewels on iconic UK landmarks will tour the country as part of plans to tell the story of coronations to thousands of people.

‘Crown and Coronation’, produced by Historic Royal Palaces and Luxmuralis, will explore the history of coronations in an immersive visual and musical show which it is planning to project on some of the country’s most famous landmarks and locations.

The programme will launch by being projected onto the Tower of London in Autumn before touring the length and breadth of the country.

In addition, the Government has today confirmed additional screening sites for the Their Majesties’ Coronation, bringing the total to 57 in locations including Ely Cathedral, Trinity Market in Hull and Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, meaning that more than 100,000 people will be able to watch the Coronation live in their hometowns.

To mark the Coronation weekend, communities are being encouraged to come together for street parties on the Sunday and across the UK more than 32,000 Coronation Big Lunch packs have been ordered with around 50,000 neighbourhood events, attended by millions of people, being planned. Eighty per cent of those signing up are first-time organisers. Plans include a youth centre Big Lunch in Shetland to community focused celebrations across the water in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. A community carnival is being planned in Morecambe and a Big Lunch paddle board will take place in Bude, Cornwall.

There will also be hundreds of thousands of opportunities to take part in The Big Help Out on the additional Bank Holiday granted to celebrate the Coronation on Monday 8th May. The project aims to ensure the Coronation leaves a lasting legacy in communities by inspiring and recruiting a new generation of volunteers. Opportunities include the chance to volunteer in your local community, with everyone from the Scouts, Royal Voluntary Service and Guide Dogs to the smallest local volunteering groups already signed up.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

The Coronation marks the beginning of a new chapter in our magnificent national story. It promises to be full of memorable experiences for the whole country, with millions of us bearing witness to a moment of history for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Every part of the United Kingdom should have a chance to see and feel the joy of the Coronation, and this giant light projection will give communities the chance to see precious centuries-old Royal treasures up close over the next year.

With less than a month to go until Coronation weekend, there are countless opportunities for people to be part of it – whether it’s watching the service on a big screen in your community, hosting your own Big Lunch for family, friends and neighbours or volunteering in The Big Help Out to give something back.

The Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort will take place on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey followed by a spectacular Coronation Concert held at Windsor Castle on Sunday 7 May. On Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, the public are encouraged to come together to take part in celebratory Coronation Big Lunches and in a national day of volunteering as part of the Big Help Out. Events taking place across the country are detailed on the Government’s Coronation map which is available on coronation.gov.uk.

The programme of events will reflect the modern, diverse, multi-faith United Kingdom and promote the themes of youth, community, diversity, and sustainability.

Lindsey Brummitt, Programme Director at the Eden Project, home of The Big Lunch, said:

It’s fantastic to see such an appetite for connection and community across the UK and it is growing every day!

What makes the Coronation Big Lunch on 6-8 May weekend ‘Big’ is everyone, everywhere doing the same thing on the same weekend – sharing friendship, food and fun with their neighbours and communities.

You can have a sarnie with a neighbour, connect over a cuppa, host a back garden BBQ or put tables down the street – how you decide to join in is up to you.

It is a fantastic way to celebrate where you live, be part of history and even fundraise for a charity or cause you care about. Bust out the bunting, knock on a neighbours door and get to know one another a little better over a tasty snack – it’s such an easy way to be part of everything!

Matt Hyde, CEO of the Scouts, said:

It’s just about a month to go until The Big Help Out – The event will provide so many opportunities for new volunteers to find their passion and to support causes that make a difference in their local communities. Research tells us that volunteering is good for you in so many ways so if you have not signed up yet check out the app and get involved and change your life and others lives forever.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said:

With one month to go before The Big Help Out, there is plenty of time for people to explore the abundance of exciting volunteering opportunities in their area.

Royal Voluntary Service has a real mix of activities available in the app, from helping to run craft and activity sessions or providing a friendly service in one of our retail outlets, to helping decorate a hall to host a Coronation lunch for 100 people! And that’s just us.

There are thousands of unique options available from other charities and organisations, big and small, so there is something to inspire everyone to join in and lend a hand.