Question reference: S6W-04277
- Asked by: Fiona Hyslop, MSP for Linlithgow, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 12 November 2021
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Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 22 November 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the funding of up to £40 million for the culture sector that was announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy on 2 June 2021 (Official Report, c. 16); how much of this funding has been distributed, and in what form; how much funding remains to be distributed, and when this will be distributed to support the culture sector.
Answer
The additional £40 million for the culture sector was announced in light of the consequential funding expected from the £300 million uplift to the Culture Recovery Fund in March 2021 UK Budget. The Scottish Government has so far only received £9 million of these consequentials. We are still seeking clarity from HM Treasury on why the £40 million has not yet been passed on in full to us and are continuing to press the UK Government to deliver the remaining £31 million.
Despite only receiving to date £9 million of the consequentials, we have made available £25 million to support recovery in the culture sector, principally through the Cultural Organisations and Venues Recovery Fund (COVRF) and the Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund (PAVRF). £17.2 million has been awarded to performing arts venues and culture organisations via Creative Scotland. £1.25m has also been announced for funding for the Public Library Covid Relief Fund. This leaves £6.55m remaining to be allocated, £2m of which is capital. We are working with the culture sector to understand ongoing needs, and announcements on the final allocations will be made in the coming weeks.