Harriet Harman MP, Labour’s Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, responding to the publication of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Report on the Work of Arts Council England, said

“This Government talks a lot about devolution and supporting the regions but when it comes to the arts they are not walking the talk.

“The report highlights the Government’s ignorance of the key role of Local Authorities in supporting arts and culture and shows that DCMS Ministers are not engaging with local councils.

“There is a real imbalance in arts funding between London and the regions and this is made worse because arts philanthropy is scarce outside the capital.

“Labour believes in the value of the arts and that everyone should be able to access culture regardless of their income, background or where they live.”