Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he plans to take to reduce disparities in spending on culture and the arts between London and cities in the North of England.

Arts and culture has a hugely positive impact on people's lives and we are committed to broadening access to the arts across the whole country.

Arts Council England are increasing the percentage of Lottery funding distributed outside London from 70 per cent to 75 per cent including over £30 million from their Ambition for Excellence fund that will be spent outside of the capital.

Our Culture White Paper - the first strategy for the sector in more than 50 years - sets out how we will increase access across the country and ensure arts and culture are open to all.