Tag: Department for Culture and Media

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 2 April 2025.

Support to boost people’s access to local heritage, delivering government’s Plan for Change to increase opportunities for all.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 8 March 2025.

Communities up and down the country are set to come together tomorrow (9 March) to mark the COVID-19 Day of Reflection.

• COVID-19 Day of Reflection on Sunday to be marked with local events in communities up and down the country
• Members of the public invited to take part in the COVID-19 Day of Reflection in ways that are meaningful for them

Hundreds of events and spaces for reflection have been organised by communities to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic. They will also be an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made, the impact on our daily lives, and pay tribute to the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers and researchers during what was an unprecedented time.

Events, gatherings and commemorations are taking place across the country, including:

• A procession along the National Covid Memorial Wall, followed by a ceremony and a minute’s silence, and flowers being cast from London’s Lambeth Bridge
• NHS Charities Together will be holding an event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which commemorates the thousands of people who tragically lost their lives since the pandemic began, and pay tribute to the critical role played by the NHS, its workforce and NHS charities in supporting patients and communities during the pandemic.
• Manchester Cathedral will host a special prayer service, honouring and reflecting upon the experiences felt by the Black, Caribbean and African community who faced unique challenges during the pandemic.
• Local authorities are recognising the day across the country. In Liverpool St George’s Hall will become the city’s focal point for the Day’s activities and in Sheffield the City Council is partnering with a community-led, NHS-funded programme, Compassionate Sheffield, for commemoration, speeches and a showing of the Stories from the Pandemic documentary.
• In Scotland, Covid19 Families Scotland will be hosting an event outdoors at Glasgow Green which includes a piper, choir and minute’s silence.
• In Treorchy, South Wales, the COVID-19 bereaved will gather and remember their loved ones and place named flags in a yellow heart made of local stones, which was created in 2021 on Bwlch Mountain. The yellow heart became a memorial to all those that died from COVID-19 in Wales and has been brought back to its former glory by the COVID-19 bereaved group this year.

In Belfast, Northern Ireland, Memory Stones of Love, who are a group set up by bereaved families during the pandemic, will be marking the day by holding a remembrance concert with music, poems and readings, as well as displaying their stones with inscriptions of those we lost during the pandemic.

Members of the public can find more information to help them to mark the day if they wish, including an interactive map that displays all the events taking place up and down the country, at gov.uk/day-of-reflection.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

The pandemic impacted us all in different ways, with many sadly losing loved ones and others making great sacrifices in their lives. This COVID-19 Day of Reflection will allow people the space and time to reflect and I would encourage everyone to take part in a way that feels right for them.

Chair of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, Baroness Morgan of Cotes said:

It is right that, as a country, we take the time to remember the COVID-19 pandemic, to reflect on what happened, remember those whose lives were impacted in so many ways and honour those who tragically lost their lives. Today is an opportunity for communities to come together to reflect and commemorate their loved ones.

The COVID-19 Day of Reflection is one of the ten recommendations set out by the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration.

The government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations made by the Commission and a full response will be published in due course.

Notes to editors

• The UK Commission on Covid Commemoration recommended a Day of Reflection to be held on the first Sunday in March where possible to align – as far as possible – with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. They acknowledged that at times this would clash with other significant national events, for example, St David’s Day in Wales.
• This follows last year’s COVID–19 Day of Reflection on Sunday 3 March 2024.
• After working closely with bereaved family groups, and with other government departments and the devolved governments, it was decided that the COVID-19 Day of Reflection 2025 will be on Sunday 9 March to ensure it can be observed across the UK.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 5 March 2025.

Young voices to be at the heart of policymaking as government breaks down barriers to opportunity through Plan for Change.

• Government launches national listening exercise to let young people have their say on support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates
• Through youth engagement charity My Life My Say and the #iwill Movement young people will be able to engage with Government both in-person and online.

Young people across the country will be able to have their say on decisions that affect their lives as the Government launches one of the most ambitious listening exercises in a generation today.

Ahead of the landmark National Youth Strategy, those aged 10-21 years old, and up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), will be asked to take part in a survey to hear what support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates to benefit their lives and futures.

Young people will be able to submit their views on a range of topics including what issues matter to them in their local area, what services they think should be available to young people, and how money should be spent in their area – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change to spread opportunity across the country.

Input will be collected by the Government in a range of ways including via an online survey, plus physical events including peer led focus groups known as ‘Democracy Cafes’, and workshop sessions so young people can offer views in their own words. The survey is now open here, and will close on 16 April.

This period of consultation will inform the Government’s new National Youth Strategy, previously announced by the Culture Secretary, designed to prioritise delivering better coordinated youth services and policy at a local, regional and national level. It will make sure decision-making moves away from a one-size-fits all approach, handing power back to young people and their communities, and rebuilding a thriving and sustainable sector. This will help deliver on the government’s missions, spreading opportunities, making our streets safer and taking pressure off health services.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

We are handing power back to young people and their communities, giving them a genuine opportunity to help make the policies that affect their lives.

We want to hear from young people directly through one of the most ambitious listening exercises for a generation – Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Nation.

We are providing young people with a genuine voice, delivering on our Plan for Change and creating opportunities in every part of the country.

Minister for Civil Society, Stephanie Peacock said:

We are breaking down the barriers to opportunity that young people face and giving them the chance to have their say – on what they want from the Government and how public policies can work for them.

I encourage all young people to fill in the survey and tell us what you think so you can help shape a brighter future for you and your generation.”

To ensure that young people’s voices are at the heart of the process throughout, the Government has appointed 13 young people to form a Youth Advisory Group (YAG). Members span multiple sectors and have experience across key areas including advocacy, violence prevention, social mobility and mental health. They include Jhemar Jones (member of London’s Violence Reduction Unit Young People’s Action Group), Yahye Abdi (Youth Development Coordinator with the Hope Collective) and Zafeera Karim (Member of Youth Parliament).

An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) will sit alongside the YAG to help guide the national conversation with young people, providing expertise and challenging thinking throughout the National Youth’s Strategy development. The group is made up of 14 experts from a variety of sectors including Isa Guha (sports presenter and founder of Cricket charity championing women and girls, Take Her Lead), Alex Holmes OBE (Deputy CEO at The Diana Award), and Paul Lindley OBE (founder of Ella’s Kitchen), among other highly experienced voices.

Young people will also be able to take part in ‘Hackathon’ events, collaborating with others alongside youth engagement experts and professional researchers to try and solve some of the most pressing issues they’re facing. Over the past few weeks, young people have been meeting at peer-led focus groups called ‘Democracy Cafés’ across the country, discussing the issues they want to see addressed.

An expert consortium of partners will facilitate the widespread engagement with young people, comprising market research consultancy Savanta; key leader in youth-led engagement in the UK, My Life My Say (MLMS); and the #iwill Movement, a social movement supporting Youth Social Action with coordination from leading civil society and social action charity Volunteering Matters and UK Youth. They will be working with ten Youth Collaborators, young people recruited to ensure all activities are genuinely co-produced.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 27 February 2025.

Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross’s speech to the Betting and Gaming Council Annual General Meeting 2025.

Good morning everyone. Thank you for the invitation to speak today. It is great to be here to speak to so many of you.

It was a huge privilege to be appointed as the Government’s gambling minister last year. I would like to thank everyone I have met so far for sharing your knowledge and perspectives on your sector. I am particularly grateful to Michael and Grainne for their constructive engagement on key issues facing your industry.

I have also enjoyed meeting a range of people from the wider gambling sector, such as John from Bacta, and Miles from the Bingo Association.

Whilst you are all facing different issues, I recognise there are key similarities, one thing you also do have in common is the experience and passion there is in the industry.

In my short time in post, I have seen the value this sector brings. Not just in tax receipts and jobs created, but as a leisure activity, for example through a day at the races, enjoying a game of bingo, or time spent in a seaside arcade.

I have enjoyed being shown round the Grosvenor casino in Liverpool last year and the Hippodrome earlier this month, and look forward to visiting more venues as soon as possible.

You will know that the Government is focused on economic growth. I believe that a growing gambling sector is compatible with creating an even safer one. I want a gambling sector in this country that is one we can be proud of – one that offers good jobs, interesting careers, brings social value, and is one that people enjoy while having vital protections in place.

As set out in our manifesto, and as you will be aware, we are also committed to reducing harmful gambling. The licensed, regulated gambling industry is a crucial part of that.

I want to work with you to see a safer, more responsible gambling industry.

I know that the vast majority of people who gamble do so without experiencing harm, but it is in all our interests that we do better for those customers who could be vulnerable to gambling harm. I have found it helpful to hear from a number of you about measures you are already taking.

I am pleased to be able to update you on significant progress on key reforms that deliver on the Government’s agenda.

I am sure many of you will have followed the progress of the statutory gambling levy in Parliament over the last few weeks. The legislation has been affirmed by both Houses and became law on Tuesday this week. It will come into force on the 6th of April and operators will be required to make their first levy payments by the 1st of October.

I know the BGC has been largely supportive of the introduction of a levy, and we recognise the work done by the sector through the voluntary levy previously. This is a huge step forward for the sector and will see increased investment to expand projects and services to reduce harmful gambling. I know that we have a shared aim in this area.

The financial support that BGC members have given to research, prevention and treatment services has enabled people in need access to crucial treatment services, and laid a foundation which the levy can build on. It is vital that funding for these services is maintained in the transition to the levy. I welcome the BGC’s commitment that this will be delivered.

We have now appointed the commissioning bodies for research, prevention and treatment.

We are working at pace with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, NHS England, UK Research and Innovation, and with partners in Scotland and Wales, to build robust foundations for the future system.

It is crucial we put the right commissioning, accountability and governance arrangements in place.

We want to build on the successes of the current system. But the levy will mean funding certainty. This will allow the expert bodies we have appointed to boost efforts to further understand, tackle, and treat gambling harm. We and the commissioning bodies will be led by the best evidence to get funding where it is needed most.

The online slots stake limits statutory instrument was also made into law on Tuesday. I know you are all keen to understand exactly when these stake limits will come into force.

I can confirm the five pound limit will be in force on the 9th of April, while the two pound limit for younger adults will be in force on the 21st of May. I know that implementing these stake limits is a technical challenge and I am grateful for all the work you have done in preparation for this moment.

I can confirm that we are moving forward with measures to modernise the regulations for land-based casinos. These changes will allow casinos to offer up to 80 gaming machines, mirroring the rules for small 2005 Act casinos. There will be a sliding scale of machine entitlements, meaning that smaller casinos can also benefit from more machines, commensurate with their size.

We will also allow sports betting in all casinos, giving operators the opportunity to expand their product offering. These changes will unlock investment in the casino sector and should provide an economic boost for both operators and machine manufacturers. We are working as quickly as we can to ensure that legislation is laid in Parliament as soon as possible. I know the significance of these measures to many of you here today.

Turning now to advertising and sponsorship, which you will know has been of significant media and Parliamentary interest in recent months.

One of the biggest issues raised with me as Gambling Minister is advertising.

I have tasked the industry with doing more to work together to ensure that gambling advertising and sponsorship is appropriate, responsible, and does not exacerbate harm.

I am grateful to the BGC for coordinating this work across your membership, and I completely understand that the ability to advertise is an important activity generally, and key advantage that licensed operators have over the illegal market.

We know that some people can feel they are being inundated with gambling advertising – and this can be especially true whilst watching sport. Crucially, we know that advertising can have a disproportionate impact on those who are already suffering from gambling harm. We must also be vigilant to any adverse impacts on children and young people.

So I am keen for the industry to take the lead in making a robust assessment of the scale and impacts of advertising, so that we are working with the best available evidence.

Lastly, I want to touch on the issue of the illegal market, which I know is of concern to many of you here today.

Illegal gambling is a concern for us all. And we are committed to working closely with the Gambling Commission, to ensure that illegal gambling, in all its forms, is addressed. I have heard your argument that overregulation leads to, or risks, displacement to the illegal market. This is something that was carefully considered in the development of the white paper and in the decisions that have been made since.

We believe the reforms we have introduced together with the Gambling Commission are proportionate and targeted interventions.

However, I agree that vigilance is vital when the illegal market threatens revenue for the licensed sector and player protections for vulnerable customers. That is why I have been pleased that the Gambling Commission has increased disruption activity and has a renewed focus on finding innovative ways to tackle the illegal market.

On Tuesday, the Crime and Policing Bill was introduced to Parliament. One of the provisions in this Bill will give the Commission greater powers to move quickly and effectively to take down IP addresses and domain names associated with illegal websites. This is an important step in equipping the Commission to tackle the illegal market and protect legitimate businesses.

Thank you again for the invitation today, and the time many of you have given me since I took up my role.

I will keep listening and look forward to working with you all to realise our shared vision of a better, safer gambling industry. I hope you are all as keen as I am to take these challenges on.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 February 2025.

Over £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in major boost for growth.

• Intervention is next step of Government’s Plan for Change to help boost local economies and increase opportunities to gain creative skills
• Comes as Culture Secretary marks the 60th anniversary of the first ever arts white paper

People across the nation will benefit from access to the arts and culture on their doorsteps as a result of a major funding package to boost growth and opportunity.

Hundreds of arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings will receive a share of more than £270 million as part of an Arts Everywhere Fund from the government, supporting jobs and creating opportunities for young people to learn creative skills while helping to boost people’s sense of pride in where they live.

The cash will be targeted at organisations in urgent need of financial support to keep them up and running, carry out vital infrastructure work and improve long term financial resilience.

Today’s announcement will help protect hundreds of jobs in the cultural and heritage sectors. Overall, cultural sectors support 666,000 filled jobs across the country.

Arts and culture are a vital part of our first-class creative industries and are a key part of what makes Britain so great. The creative industries are worth £124 billion to our economy, creating jobs, opportunities and showcasing the best of Britain to the world. That is why the creative industries were identified as one of the eight growth-driving sectors in the government’s Industrial Strategy – with the potential to boost economic growth throughout communities in the UK.

At an inaugural lecture marking the 60th anniversary of the first ever arts white paper by former Minister Jennie Lee, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will gather leaders from across the arts and culture sectors at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon. She will set out how Jennie Lee’s vision of the ‘arts for everyone, everywhere’ will be made a reality as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Arts and culture help us understand the world we live in, they shape and define society and are enjoyed by people in every part of our country. They are the building blocks of our world-leading creative industries and make a huge contribution towards boosting growth and breaking down barriers to opportunities for young people to learn the creative skills they need to succeed.

The funding we are announcing today will allow the arts to continue to flourish across Britain, creating good jobs and growth by fixing the foundations in our cultural venues, museums, libraries and heritage institutions.

As a government that is on your side, our Plan for Change will ensure that arts and cultural institutions truly are for everyone, everywhere.

During the lecture, the Culture Secretary will announce the following funding for the next financial year, beginning in April:

• A new £85 million Creative Foundations Fund to support urgent capital works to keep venues across the country up and running;
• A fifth round of the popular Museum Estate and Development Fund worth £25 million, which will support museums to undertake vital infrastructure projects, and tackle urgent maintenance backlogs;
• A new £20 million Museum Renewal Fund to help keep cherished civic museums open and engaging, protect opening hours and jobs, continue serving communities, and tell our national story at a local level;
• An additional £15 million for Heritage at Risk will provide grants for repairs and conservation to heritage buildings at risk, focusing on those sites with most need. This will restore local heritage, such as shops, pubs, parks, and town halls;
• A fourth round of the Libraries Improvement Fund worth £5.5 million, which will enable public library services across England to upgrade buildings and technology to better respond to changing user needs;
• A new £4.85 million Heritage Revival Fund to empower local people to take control of and look after their local heritage. It will support community organisations to own neglected heritage buildings bringing them back into good use;
• An additional £120 million to continue the Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund, which will ensure national cultural public institutions are able to address essential works to their estate;
• A 5% increase to the budgets of all national museums and galleries to support their financial resilience and help them provide access to the national collection;
• Confirmation that DCMS will be providing £3.2 million in funding for four cultural education programmes for the next financial year to preserve increased access to arts for children and young people through the Museums and Schools Programme, the Heritage Schools Programme, the Art & Design National Saturday Club and the BFI Film Academy.

This package will be integral to ensuring that arts and culture are a catalyst for growth in the Creative Industries and local economies by making sure cultural venues are supported to reach their full potential and attracting more tourists through our cultural institutions.

The Culture Secretary is also set to confirm the advisory panel of experts who will be supporting Baroness Margaret Hodge with her independent review of Arts Council England, as well as the scope of the review within the newly agreed Terms of Reference.

The beneficiaries of the fourth round of the Museum Estate and Development Fund will also be announced, which will see 29 local museums up and down the country receiving a share of almost £25 million to upgrade their buildings.

The news follows another boost for regional growth and regeneration earlier this week, when the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced ten critical culture projects across the UK will receive a total of £67 million. This funding will support exciting projects such as the National Railway Museum in York, the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum in Liverpool, and in Leeds, both the National Poetry Centre and the revamping of ‘Temple Works’, paving the way for it to house the British Library North.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

Our Plan for Change promises growth for every corner of the UK, which is why this week I announced more than £67 million for ten major cultural projects that celebrate our nation.

I had the pleasure to visit some of these projects last week and seeing the role they will play in igniting regeneration in their communities and on a national scale. This means more tourism, more growth and more money in people’s pockets.

This comes on top of the £60 million package recently announced by the Culture Secretary at the Creative Industries Growth Summit to support hundreds of creative businesses and projects across the UK. This is the first step towards delivering the Creative Industry Sector Plan, as part of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy. Today’s announcement will build upon this, ensuring that the culture sector is able to achieve its full potential.

More details on how to apply to each of these funds and schemes will be made available in due course.

Supportive quotes

Daniel Evans, Tamara Harvey and Andrew Leveson from the Royal Shakespeare Company, said:

The RSC welcomes the government’s celebration of the anniversary of Jennie Lee’s White Paper for the Arts and its announcement of the £85m Creative Foundations Fund, an urgently needed intervention.  Ageing capital infrastructure remains a tremendous drag on the sector’s ability to create the work for which it is globally celebrated and maximise its economic and social contribution.  We stand ready to work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that theatre buildings are effectively maintained and put to the most effective use in creating impactful programmes of work that, true to Jennie Lee’s legacy, make the arts accessible to as many people as possible.

Arts Council England, Chief Executive, Darren Henley said:

Today’s a good news day for arts organisations, museums and libraries. We know how much cultural places and spaces are valued in towns and cities across the land. For years to come, this new investment will help more people in more places to flourish by finding joy and connection with high quality culture close to home.

Baroness Hodge’s review gives all of us at the Arts Council the chance to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to serve audiences right across England – and that we’re nurturing an environment where artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries can create their best work for those audiences. We’re looking forward to working with Baroness Hodge and her advisory panel to make sure that happens for everyone everywhere every day.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive at Historic England, said:

The £15m Heritage at Risk funding will enable us to help regenerate cherished historic buildings in some of our most deprived areas, boosting local pride and wellbeing, as well as stimulating economic growth where it’s really needed.

Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive, National Theatre, said:

The support announced today shows that, like the visionary Jennie Lee, this Government keenly understands the arts ecosystem and its leading role in boosting the economy, enriching local communities and enhancing soft power. Much-needed capital investment will begin the task of enabling arts venues in towns and cities across our country to upgrade their facilities, providing more jobs and training, improving their financial and environmental sustainability, and offering more opportunities for young people and communities. Today’s announcement is further proof that the Government sees the benefit of working long term, in deep partnership with our sector, to break down barriers to growth and opportunity. Capital isn’t about bricks and mortar, it’s about making space for creativity to flourish.

Alex Beard, CEO of Royal Ballet and Opera, said:

I am delighted that Government has recognised the need to invest in the country’s performing arts infrastructure. This one year programme is a vital first step in ensuring that future generations of audience members can continue to enjoy our world leading performing arts sector, which plays such an important role in the Government’s growth and wellbeing agendas.

Gurinder Chadha, Film Director, said:

Time and time again the creative industries have proved how much income they bring into our economy from box office sales to expertise, skills and jobs. I am proud to be a part of the British arts industry that is respected globally. Anything that helps local communities and local artists build their skills, to fulfil their potential and further the cultural economy is something to be applauded.

Kwame Kwei-Armah, Director and Playwright, said:

Today’s announcement by our government to invest in our world leading cultural sector could not have come sooner or at a better time. From personal inspiration to international soft power I, like many, will be overjoyed that our government has seen the cultural sector who we are and what we contribute to Britain and beyond.

James Graham, Playwright and Writer, said:

This new investment is an extremely welcome acknowledgement of the role culture can play in rebuilding local communities.

The sector has been just-about-surviving for too long and such injections mean much-loved local venues can begin planning for the future.

On a personal note, as someone who grew up in a town with very limited access to the arts, the new funding for education programmes is to be celebrated. I only fell in love with theatre because of the passion of the drama teachers in my comprehensive school. It’s deeply encouraging to see that the collapse of culture in education over the last decade can finally turnaround, and unleash the creativity of all young people everywhere.

Adjoa Andoh, Actress and Writer, said:

Arts and culture belong to all the people of our amazing creative nation.

Our drama, our literature, our music, our painting, our history – it’s what we’re known for across the world, so at home everyone should have access to their heritage with no barriers to participation. I am thrilled that with the announcement of this fantastic injection of targeted funding for arts infrastructure and education, locally and nationally, the government recognises that only with their active support can all the people fully share in our wonderful cultural inheritance. I am sure Jennie Lee whose white paper championed the arts 60 years ago, would be proud.

Tracy-Ann Oberman, Actress and playwright, said:

Lisa Nandy has shown a huge commitment to the arts. She has been incredibly supportive of my production of “The Merchant of Venice 1936” and the need to tell stories through theatre to bring communities together. I think this announcement shows a real commitment to the arts in the UK and investment in the rich cultural heritage of this country.

Lemn Sissay, Author and Broadcaster, said:

Investing in the arts is an investment in our communities, our creativity, and our future. The creation of the National Poetry Centre is a shining example of this commitment, offering a space where creativity can flourish and voices from all backgrounds are celebrated.

Lisa Nandy’s commitment to providing funding for the arts, for everyone everywhere, ensures that the transformative power of culture reaches every corner of our nation, fostering unity, inspiration, and opportunity for all.

Actors Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal said:

As not only a vital sector for tourism but also for local communities and businesses, it’s encouraging to see British arts and culture being supported in a tangible and constructive way.

Es Devlin, Stage Designer, said:

Now, more than ever, the cultivation of our collective consciousness, our shared imagination, our ability to seek patterns and imagine possible futures is critical, and this investment in the arts and arts education is urgent and most welcome.

Kate Mosse CBT, Novelist, Historian & Playwright, said:

Today marks the 60th anniversary of Jennie Lee’s visionary White Paper that changed everything. The idea – radical at the time and no less important today – that the arts are for everyone, that creativity can be found everywhere and fostered, that books, theatre, dance, music transform lives, these ideas took root because of Lee’s commitment, enthusiasm and passion. She was one of the great transformational politicians of the 20th century and writers – and artists – salute you.

Nicholas Cullinan, British Museum Director, said:

This additional funding is a wonderful investment in the UK’s museums sector. In every corner of the country, our national and civic museums play a vital role protecting our heritage, bringing communities together, and supporting and inspiring the UK’s world-leading cultural sector.

Mary Beard, Trustee of the British Museum:

This is great news. Museums across the country are places where we go to learn, to be challenged, to wonder, to debate and disagree, and to discover times, people and places different from ourselves. They deserve (and need) all the support we can give them.

Doug Gurr, Natural History Museum Director, said:

I really welcome and am grateful for the additional support from the government for the museums sector, providing a vital lifeline to ensure we continue to reach and inspire audiences locally, nationally, globally.

Tom Sleigh, Chair, Norwich Theatre, said:

We really welcome this announcement. There is a pressing need for better investment in cultural infrastructure, and this funding will be incredibly important for many regional arts organisations, who have such an important role to play in their local communities.

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said:

The Libraries Improvement Fund has been transformative in helping library services in England adapt to the changing needs of their users. This new round will broaden that legacy, creating more accessible, sustainable and inclusive libraries across the country. We can’t wait to see the successful projects take shape.

Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive Officer of English National Opera and London Coliseum, said:

We warmly welcome today’s announcement from the Secretary of State of a new Creative Foundations Fund. This will provide critical and transformative support for many performing and visual arts venues across the country, ensuring that they continue to play a vital role at the heart of their communities. These much-needed, urgent interventions in our cultural spaces will support creativity and innovation, locally and nationally – and are an investment in our audiences of today and the future.

Stephen Freeman, Chief Executive, Royal Exchange Theatre said:

Today’s announcement of a new capital fund to support our cultural infrastructure is most welcome. It is deeply encouraging to see the Secretary of State responding to the real and urgent need for support at cultural venues up and down the country. Many of our most iconic institutions are in serious need of capital funds to support the future sustainability of our world class cultural offer.

Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive, Science Museum Group said:

We are delighted with the Government’s continued strong support for national museums and the wider cultural sector. Museums benefit society in many ways, inspiring audiences with engaging stories, contributing to cohesive communities and showcasing creativity that helps drive tourism. The confirmation this week of £15 million Government investment in our ambitious plans for the National Railway Museum is a clear vote of confidence in the transformative work underway across the Science Museum Group.

Jon Finch – Chair of English Civic Museum Network (ECMN) and Head of Culture and Visitor Economy at Barnsley Council said:

On behalf of England’s regional museum sector, the English Civic Museum Network (ECMN) welcomes the Government’s unprecedented announcement of £45M investment to support regional museums. ECMN is delighted that the Government has recognised the compelling case for investment in local museums as part of its growth agenda. Civic museums are a fundamental part of England’s cultural, creative, and social fabric and are a catalyst for growth on our high streets

Michael Eakin OBE, Chief Executive of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic said:

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic welcomes this additional capital funding to support the sector in 2025-26. We are grateful that Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, one of the UK’s great concert halls, has benefitted from such essential support in past years, but we know that it will continue to need investment in the future. Many of this country’s great cultural buildings are urgently in need of capital works  to ensure they can continue to function and meet the needs of performances and audiences, and this new funding will be very welcome and helpful in addressing some of those needs.

Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund said:

The £20 million Museum Renewal Fund is a vital lifeline for our civic museums, which have a central place in the lives of local communities. It’s a welcome response to the severe financial pressures museums are facing, particularly those reliant on local authority funding. How appropriate that this crucial investment has been announced to mark the 60th anniversary of Jennie Lee’s visionary first White Paper on the Arts. This investment is an important first step to ensuring financial resilience, economic growth and ensuring our public collections remain accessible for future generations.

Grayson Perry, Artist said:

We should be proud of the brilliant museums and galleries that we have all across the country. It is great to hear that the government understands how important they are and is putting a good chunk of money into maintaining them. These cultural powerhouses give our towns and cities a vital part of their identity, art is a central element of who we are.

Sir Alistair Spalding and Britannia Morton, Co CEOs Sadler’s Wells. Artistic and Executive Directors said:

We welcome today’s announcement. It shows that the Culture Secretary is listening to the needs of the sector and is prepared to  act to protect our cultural infrastructure for future generations.

Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust:

Theatres Trust is thrilled that the government has announced its £85million Creative Foundations Fund. We know from our research and industry knowledge that this funding is desperately needed by so many theatres across England. Our diligent team is primed to advise and support theatres up and down the country as they begin their journey on developing and delivering new capital projects, and we encourage people to make use of Theatres Trust’s free impartial expert advice service as they begin their applications.

Rebecca Lawrence, CEO of the British Library:

The British Library welcomes the extension of the Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund for the next financial year. We hope it will be a vital source of support for addressing some of the most urgent pressures on our buildings and estates, which continue to require substantial ongoing investment to ensure they are well maintained for our users and the national collection. We are also pleased to see the extension of the Libraries Improvement Fund for local authority run library services, who we collaborate with all across the country.

Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate and Chair of the National Museum Directors’ Council said:

Today’s funding announcements are fantastic news for the whole museum sector. We are incredibly grateful to see the Government’s recognition of the importance of our world-class museums.

The increase in budgets for national museums and galleries like my own organisation Tate will be vital in supporting our financial resilience, enabling us to continue caring for and providing access to the national collection and the incredible public benefit we deliver. We also warmly welcome the announcement of additional capital investment for national and regional museums through the Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund and the Museum Estate and Development Fund. This investment is urgently needed right across the museum sector for maintenance and repairs.

In particular, we are delighted to see the announcement of new funding for civic museums, who are facing an unprecedented set of economic pressures. They are some of the finest creative and cultural spaces in the world – caring for internationally significant collections, driving regional tourism and providing vital community services. The new Museum Renewal Fund will help bring civic museums back to a more sustainable position, and we are heartened that Government has listened to calls to protect this key part of our cultural and civic infrastructure.

Andrew Lovett OBE, Chief Executive, Black Country Living Museum

We welcome the financial support announced by the Secretary of State, coming as it does at a challenging economic time for many in the sector. A financial decision is a policy decision and we welcome this policy. On the anniversary of the publication of Jennie Lee’s white paper, this is a timely reminder that Museums and the arts are not only crucial to everyday lives and wellbeing, but are also a vital part of the UK economy and merit sustained investment. We make a mistake when we think museums are in the business of collecting and exhibitions; their business is social cohesion and helping us to better understand the world. And it doesn’t get more important than that.

Laura Stevenson, Executive Director, The Old Vic:

We are incredibly grateful to DCMS for recognising the urgent need for capital investment in keeping our buildings running and preserving our cultural institutions for future generations.  The Old Vic, a theatre without regular public subsidy, is a 207 year old building which requires regular maintenance and capital spend. Like so many others, our financial model is precarious and covering the scale of spend required for our building out of our revenue is extremely  difficult. The creation of these types of funds is essential if we are to support the survival of the UK’s creative landscape.

Mark Ball, Artistic Director, Southbank Centre:

This is a very welcome and urgently needed injection of funding into a sector that, with smart investment, can meaningfully contribute to the government’s Growth Plan.

The performing arts in particular have been calling for capital funding for essential upgrades our buildings to enable us to continue to deliver world class performances for our audiences and communities. The Government has listened and this funding is an important first step in shoring up our cultural infrastructure and will help to support engagement, jobs, skills and wellbeing up and down the country.

Julia Fawcett OBE, ceo of Lowry said:

The Lowry warmly welcomes the Government’s announcement of a major capital fund for arts venues, an essential and much-needed investment in the future of the UK’s cultural infrastructure. This new funding is a vital step in ensuring that theatres, galleries, museums, and arts centres across the country can continue to serve their audiences for generations to come.

Beyond keeping cultural institutions open, this investment will play a crucial role in boosting local economies, supporting jobs, and ensuring that arts and culture remain a driving force for regeneration and social impact. We are particularly pleased to see the commitment to long-term strategic thinking in arts funding, recognising the sector’s immense economic and social value.

Sixty years after Jennie Lee’s visionary White Paper, today’s announcement is an important step towards realising her dream of an arts sector that is truly at the heart of British life, thriving, ambitious, and accessible to all.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 January 2025.

Tourism industry worth £74 billion to the economy and 4% of GVA with a huge potential for further growth to support government’s Plan for Change.

• Visitor Economy Advisory Council to boost collaboration between government and tourism industry
• Group to be co-chaired by Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant

Leading figures from British Airways, VisitBritain, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Trainline and other key players in the tourism sector are being brought together on a new taskforce aimed at securing growth in the UK’s world-class tourism sector.

The Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which met today (Monday 20th January) for the first time, aims to boost collaboration between government and the tourism industry in a bid to kickstart the next stage of the sector’s growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

The advisory council will inform the government’s forthcoming National Visitor Economy Strategy. They also work towards the government’s previously announced ambition for the United Kingdom to welcome 50 million international visitors per year by 2030, as part of its plans for the country to remain one of the most visited worldwide.

The council is co-chaired by Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant and Karin Sheppard, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Managing Director for Europe.

Members of the advisory council include Sean Doyle, chair and chief executive of British Airways, West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates, Royal Parks chair Loyd Grossman, Royal Shakespeare Company chief executive Andrew Leveson and Fiona MacConnacher, head of public affairs for UK and Ireland at Booking.com.

Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

“The UK is one of the most visited countries in the world and domestic and international tourism are a key part of our economy. I want to build on this success and enable even more visitors to experience our fantastic culture and landscape.

“That is why I want to increase cooperation between the government and the tourism sector so that we can make the UK the best destination that it can be. That means building investment, improving visitors’ experience and enabling the sector to grow. By working together we can create jobs and drive economic growth as part of our Plan for Change, while also providing fantastic holidays that showcase the best that our country has to offer.”

A key part of the government’s growth strategy for the tourism sector is increasing visitor numbers outside of London. The capital is a fantastic draw for foreign visitors, bringing in tens of millions of them each year, however the council will look at ways to attract more people to other cities and regions.

As well as focusing on inbound and domestic tourism, the Visitor Economy Advisory Council will also focus on outbound travel to ensure all tourists have the best possible experience when travelling.

At today’s meeting, the group discussed the sector’s performance across domestic, international and outbound markets and how the council can support the government’s Growth Mission.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Full membership of the Visitor Economy Advisory Council:

• Joss Croft OBE, Chief Executive Officer, UKInbound
• Sean Doyle, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, British Airways
• Fiona Eastwood, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Merlin Entertainment
• Paul Flaum, Chief Executive Officer, Bourne Leisure
• Jody Ford, Chief Executive Officer, Trainline
• Dr Sarah Green OBE, Chief Executive Officer, NewcastleGateshead Initiative
• Sir Loyd Grossman CBE, Chair, The Royal Parks
• Andy Harmer, Chief Executive Officer, CLIA
• Dame Irene Hays DBE CBE DL, Chair and Owner, Hays Travel
• Andrew Leveson, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Shakespeare Company
• Fiona MacConnacher, Head of Public Affairs UK & Ireland, Booking.com
• Kate Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive Officer, UKHospitality
• Ken O’Toole, Group Chief Executive Officer, Manchester Airports Group
• Richard Parker, Mayor, West Midlands Combined Authority (joint member)
• Neil Rami, Chief Executive Officer, West Midlands Growth Company (joint member)
• Jeremy Rees, Chief Executive Officer, ExCel London
• Kate Shane, Managing Director, Blackpool Council Leisure Portfolio
• Karin Sheppard, Managing Director Europe, IHG Hotels and Resorts
• Julia Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, World Tourism and Travel Council
• Shaon Talukder, Chief Executive Officer, Geotourist
• Patricia Yates (Observer), Chief Executive Officer, VisitBritain, VisitEngland

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 15 January 2025.

The Secretary of State has reappointed Nadine Thomson as a Board Member of VisitEngland for a five year term from 6th January 2025 to 5th January 2030.

Nadine Thomson

Appointed from 6th January 2025 to 5th January 2030.

Nadine Thomson is the President of Product Deployment & Operations at Choreograph, WPP’s data and tech company delivering media, data capabilities and digital products to manage $60 billion in annual media spend for the world’s largest advertisers.  She is an experienced executive with digital, media and travel experience and has held leadership roles in a number of international businesses.

Over her career, Nadine has led international transformations across the travel, media, retail, entertainment and professional services industries. She has a deep understanding of the travel and tourism industry, having led technology at STA Travel for 9 years where she enabled a global, multi-channel, e-commerce travel business. Previous roles also include leading digital transformation for Conde Nast International, Vue Cinema and News UK and providing digital and technology consultancy to Capita.

Nadine was awarded Chief Technology Officer of the Year in 2023 and European Technology Leader of the Year in 2021 for real-world achievements in tech in regard to business turnaround and application of innovative technologies. Nadine has 10 years Non-Executive experience.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees of VisitEngland are remunerated £275 for 1.5 days a month. 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. Nadine has has not declared any significant political activity.

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

An export bar has been placed on a Sutton Scotney Iron Age brooch that is at risk of leaving the United Kingdom

• The harness brooch has been valued at £18,500
• The export bar is to allow time for a UK museum, gallery or institution to acquire the brooch

An export bar has been placed on an Iron Age harness brooch, which was discovered near Sutton Scotney in Hampshire.

The brooch is one of only ten such brooches known to have survived for two millennia in the ground and is thought to be a component of the harness from a horse drawn vehicle designed to connect the straps to fabric on the horse’s back.

Unusually the brooch includes both a hinged pin and strap loops on the back, a combination not found on brooches worn by people at this time. Its decoration with intricate curved shapes and basket weave texture links it with designs found on other metal objects from that time found in Britain and across Europe.

It exhibits the best casting achievable in the pre-mechanised period, and  is in good condition in comparison to similar brooches from the period, the majority of which are incomplete.

The brooch was discovered in Sutton Scotney, Hampshire and provides valuable new evidence for the use of horse-drawn vehicles in the nearby Iron Age hillforts towards the end of the first millennium BC.

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

“This harness brooch, dating back to the Iron Age, is a rare artefact that is of major importance to the local history of Hampshire.

“I hope by placing an export bar on this rare brooch, it will continue to benefit the UK public and researchers in the study of the horse harness, chariotry, and crafting of metalwork, enriching our understanding of our country’s history.”

Committee member, Tim Pestell said:

“For Britons in the late Iron Age, horsemanship and charioteering were prized skills both socially and in warfare, as noted by the Roman invaders. This pride led people to decorate their horses with ornate tack and fittings, one of the rarest forms being so-called horse brooches of which only ten are known in Britain, most of them fragmentary.

“With its exceptional preservation, intriguing basket-weave pattern and outstanding aesthetic design, the Sutton Scotney Brooch is a remarkable survival. Now a bar has been placed upon its export, I hope that a museum will be able to acquire this two-thousand-year-old testament to the British love of horses for public benefit.”

The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest. The Committee made its recommendation on the basis that the brooch met the first, second, and third Waverley criteria for its outstanding connection with our history and national life, its outstanding aesthetic importance, and its outstanding significance to the study of the horse harness, chariotry, the crafting of metalwork and textiles.

The decision on the export licence application for the brooch will be deferred for a period ending on 9th March 2025 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 brooch at the recommended price of £18,500 (plus VAT of £3,700 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 three months.

Offers from public bodies for less than the recommended price through the private treaty sale arrangements, where appropriate, may also be considered by the Minister. Such purchases frequently offer substantial financial benefit to a public institution wishing to acquire the item.

Notes to editors:

1. Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the brooch should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk.
2. Details of the brooch are as follows: A copper alloy harness brooch, also known as a horse brooch or pony brooch, dating from the Late Iron Age in southern Britain. Being an object from the later prehistoric period, the maker and precise date of manufacture are unknown but an approximate date range of c.50 BC to AD 100 is estimated from comparison to finds from known archaeological contexts. This object is in excellent condition. Length: 68.9mm; Height: 8.3mm; Width: 55.2mm; Weight 31.31g.
3. Provenance: Found at Sutton Scotney, Hampshire. Recorded on Portable Antiquity Scheme no.SUR-738A17. Lot 568, Ancient Coins and Antiquities Auction, 5 December 2023. Noonans Auctions.
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 10 January 2025.

A new cap on the price of resold tickets for concerts, live sport and other events are among measures that have been announced by the government today.

• Consultation will look at new measures to prevent consumers being fleeced by ticket touts as part of government’s Plan for Change
• Announcement puts music, theatre, comedy and sports fans back at the heart of live events and delivers plan for change to keep more money in the pockets of working people
• Pricing practices in the live events sector – including so-called ’dynamic pricing’ – also under the spotlight to ensure ticketing works for fans

A new cap on the price of resold tickets for concerts, live sport and other events are among measures that have been announced by the government today, as part of plans to clamp down on ticket touts fleecing the public.

It comes amid a concerning increase in fans wanting to get tickets for popular tours and events coming up against professional touts hoarding tickets and reselling at heavily inflated prices, while others have been caught out by a lack of transparency over the system of dynamic pricing.

According to analysis by the Competition and Market Authority (CMA), typical mark-ups on tickets sold on the secondary market are more than 50 per cent and investigations by Trading Standards have uncovered evidence of tickets being resold for up to six times their original cost. According to research by Virgin Media O2, ticket touts cost music fans an extra £145 million per year.

The CMA has estimated the value of tickets sold in 2019 through secondary ticketing platforms to be about £350 million, with around 1.9 million tickets sold on these platforms. 1.9 million tickets accounted for around 5 to 6% of the number of primary tickets sold in 2019.

That’s why the government has today launched a public consultation which sets out a range of measures in the ticket resale market that aim to better protect fans, improve access to live events and support the growth of the UK’s world leading live events sector.

The consultation will explore a range of options to make ticket resales fairer and more transparent, which include:

• Introducing a cap on the price of ticket resales – with the consultation seeking views on a range from the original price to up to a 30 per cent uplift, and limiting the number of tickets resellers can list to the maximum they are allowed to purchase on the primary market. These measures would prevent organised touts reselling a large number of tickets at vastly inflated prices and disincentivise industrial scale touting.
• Increasing the accountability of ticket resale websites and apps – creating new legal obligations so that they are held responsible by Trading Standards and the Competition and Market Authority for the accuracy of information they provide to fans.
• Strengthening consumer enforcement – review of existing legislation to bring it up to date, including stronger fines and a new licensing regime for re-sale platforms to increase enforcement of protections for consumers. Trading Standards can already issue fines of up to £5,000 for ticketing rule breaches. The consultation will look into whether this cap should be increased.

These measures come as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, with these plans aimed at saving money for consumers and keeping more money in the pockets of hardworking people.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

From sports tournaments to Taylor Swift – all too often big events have been dogged by consumers being taken advantage of by ticket touts.

These unfair practices look to fleece people of their hard-earned income, which isn’t fair on fans, venues and artists.

Fans enjoying themselves in the moment are what make concerts and live events the thrilling experiences that they are, which is why as part of our Plan for Change, we are putting them back in control.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

The chance to see your favourite musicians or sports team live is something all of us enjoy and everyone deserves a fair shot at getting tickets – but for too long fans have had to endure the misery of touts hoovering up tickets for resale at vastly inflated prices.

As part of our Plan for Change, we are taking action to strengthen consumer protections, stop fans getting ripped off and ensure money spent on tickets goes back into our incredible live events sector, instead of into the pockets of greedy touts.

Musician and DJ Fatboy Slim said:

Great to see money being put back into fans pockets instead of resellers. Fully behind this effort to make sure more people can enjoy incredible arts and music events across the country without being ripped off. It is part of the change this government were elected to make.

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said:

For far too long, fans have faced an uphill battle to find face value tickets to see their favourite artist perform or sports team play live so it’s absolutely right the government wants to make ticketing fairer for consumers.

In recent years, touts have been allowed to charge fans hundreds of pounds extra for secondary tickets, it has been very difficult for resale platforms to be held to account for poor practices and consumers have had to watch out for scam tickets circulating online. The recent Oasis ticket sales also highlighted the flaws of so-called dynamic pricing in this market – with some customers queuing for hours for tickets only to find that prices had risen dramatically and were no longer affordable.

The government must use this consultation to regulate the industry properly, ensure ticket resales don’t exploit fans and decide when the use of dynamic pricing is unfair and shouldn’t be allowed.

Jon Collins, chief executive of LIVE, the live music trade body, said:

LIVE welcomes this positive step to put fans back at the heart of live music by tackling ticket touting. We have been a long-term and vociferous advocate for regulation of the secondary market, supporting the great work of the FanFair Alliance, and are pleased to see government delivering on its manifesto commitment in this area.

We are delighted that measures which permit responsible and fair fan-to-fan resale, while eliminating third-party profiteering, will be brought forward. This will reduce the incentive for touts to squeeze fans out of the primary sale and highlights the need to set the cap on resales at or near the original price.

We look forward to continuing to work with government to ensure fans can enjoy our world-class live music sector.

Alongside the consultation, ministers have launched a call for evidence into pricing practices in the live events sector, such as dynamic pricing. Dynamic pricing adjusts ticket prices based on demand, time, and availability, which can lead to increased costs for popular events or prices being brought down where there is increasing availability or reduced demand.

Often this is done to sell unsold tickets and fill seats but, in some cases, a lack of transparency has meant customers being caught unawares by last minute price rises for high demand events.

The call for evidence will seek views on how the ticketing system in the live events sector is working for fans and whether the current system provides sufficient protection from unfair practices. It will consider whether there is potential for new harms to consumers to arise from emerging business trends including the use of new technologies and dynamic pricing.

The ticket resale market plays a valuable role for consumers and needs to work better for fans. It can provide a legitimate and safe way to transfer unwanted tickets to help more people to attend events. It can also ensure revenues flow back to the creative and live events sector, without fans facing inflated prices due to touts. These measures would apply to a range of events covering sport, music, theatre, comedy and beyond.

Major events and tours are key cultural moments, which is why it is important that consumers experience openness and transparency when buying tickets, allowing a fair process for fans looking to see their favourite artists or sporting stars.

The move delivers on a manifesto commitment to address the problem of consumers finding it difficult and expensive to attend live events because of ticket touting. The government pledged to put fans back at the heart of events by introducing new consumer protections on ticket resales.

Naomi Pohl, General Secretary Musicians’ Union said:

This consultation is very welcome and addresses key issues that affect fans, the artists they love and the wider music industry. Secondary ticketing diverts money away from artists and makes it harder for them to tour and ultimately to make new music. Unfair ticketing pricing and practices can also damage the relationship between artist and fan.

We believe that the money fans pay for tickets should always go to fund their favourite artists’ careers and the wider music ecosystem; not into the pockets of touts.

UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said:

UK Music welcomes this move to support music fans and a music industry which generates £7.6 billion a year for the economy and supports 216,000 jobs.

Music lovers have been exploited for too long by a secondary ticketing market which is driven by greedy touts and automated bots charging rip-off prices and sucking money out of our sector.

This announcement should pave the way for greater transparency over ticketing for live events and ensure music fans can see their favourite acts at an affordable price.

We want to see an end to speculative selling with a clear price cap that means tickets can only be resold under a fair and reasonable system of resale.

There needs to be far tougher controls on the secondary market and the use of digital bots to protect genuine music fans and put them first to restore the integrity of ticket sales for live events.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to ensure every part of the UK music industry’s eco-system benefits from these changes so we can ensure our sector continues to grow and thrive.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 6 January 2025.

The Prime Minister has appointed Emma Bunce, Teresa Anderson and Julia Mundy as Trustees of Royal Museums Greenwich for four year terms from 20 November 2024 to 19 November 2028.

Professor Teresa Anderson MBE

Appointed from 20 November 2024 to 19 November 2028.

Teresa Anderson is Founder and Director of The University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement and is professor of Cultural and Creative Industries in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures at the University of Manchester. She has a BSc in Physics, an MSc in Instrumentation, a PhD in Electrical Engineering, and a Master’s degree in Fine Art.

The Centre first opened in 2011 and (pre-COVID) attracted over 150,000 visitors each year, including 25,000 school children, who participate in a curriculum-linked Education programme. The Centre takes innovative approaches to increasing diversity and engaging new audiences with science.

In 2016, Teresa co-founded the bluedot festival at Jodrell Bank, which brings together science, music, art and culture, breaking down barriers between sectors and celebrating creativity and innovation. The festival typically attracts 25,000 people each year. Teresa also led, together with Tim O’Brien, the ten-year project that resulted in Jodrell Bank being awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2019. In June 2022, the award-winning £21million ‘First Light Pavilion’ was opened at Jodrell Bank. Teresa led and directed the project from inception in 2008 to delivery.

In 2013 Teresa was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to Astrophysics. In 2014 she was awarded the Institute of Physics Kelvin Medal for Public Engagement with Physics. In 2024 she was named one of the National Lottery’s ‘Heritage Gamechangers’ for her work on the heritage and cultures of science.

Professor Emma Bunce OBE

Appointed from 20 November 2024 to 19 November 2028

Professor Emma Bunce is the Director of the Institute for Space at the University of Leicester and previously Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy. She is Professor of Planetary Plasma Physics, studying the electromagnetic interaction between the Sun and the planets. Emma has worked on multiple international space missions: the NASA Cassini mission to Saturn, the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission to Mercury, and the ESA Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer mission to Jupiter and Ganymede. She is the Principal Investigator of the only UK science instrument on the BepiColombo mission, and leads the international science team. She is the European Co-Chair of the JUICE-Europa Clipper Joint Steering Committee, aiming to identify opportunities for joint science between these two independent flagship missions.

Emma was President of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) from 2020-2022, and worked on the Board of Trustees of the National Space Centre from 2014-2023. Emma has received multiple distinctions for her work including the RAS Chapman medal (2018) and the European Geophysical Union David Bates medal (2022) for her “exceptional contribution to planetary science”. In 2023 Emma was awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours for “services to Astronomy and Science Education”.

Dr Julia Mundy

Appointed from 20 November 2024 to 19 November 2028

Dr Julia Mundy has attained international recognition for her academic research into strategic risk, accountability, and organisational performance. She is Deputy Director of the Institute for Political Economy, Governance, Risk & Accountability at the University of Greenwich. After a career in financial services, including as an investment analyst, she obtained an MBA in Finance from the Bayes Business School (formerly City University Business School) and a PhD in Accounting from the University of Melbourne. She also qualified as a Chartered Secretary.

Julia brings extensive committee experience with a government department and other public sector bodies, including regulators. She currently serves on the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee of the UK Statistics Authority (Office for National Statistics and the Office for Statistics Regulation) and on the Financial Conduct Authority’s statutory Consumer Panel where she advises and challenges the FCA in its development of policy and regulation. Julia served for seven years on the Board of Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust, where she was Vice Chair and Senior Independent Director and where she chaired the Audit & Risk Committee and the Finance, Investment & Performance Committee. Other independent roles include the audit committee of a housing association and the Research Advisory Board of the ICAEW.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees of Royal Museums Greenwich 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. Julia has declared that she canvassed for Rachel Blake MP on two occasions during the 2024 General Election, and held the post of Honorary Treasurer for Labour Humanists from 2009 until 2016. Teresa and Emma have not declared any significant political activity.