Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

At the Spending Review 2025, HM Treasury agreed budgets for Departments for a three-year period for Resource DEL, and a four-year period for Capital DEL. The Department then completed a Business Planning process to allocate this funding to programmes. This included £92 million (£23 million per year) for the Places of Worship Renewal Fund.

At Spending Reviews, the Devolved Governments generally receive Barnett consequentials as a proportion of overall departmental settlements, not specific funding lines or programmes. Barnett consequentials were confirmed taking into account the overall DCMS allocation, which includes funding for the Places of Worship Renewal fund. Decisions on the allocation of this funding are then for the Devolved Governments to take.

This Government’s ambition is to make the UK the best place in the world to make film and television. Central to that ambition is a workforce that is skilled, supported, and able to build sustainable careers.

The concerning findings of the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Survey demonstrate why workforce wellbeing sits at the heart of our Creative Industries Sector Plan, including our focus on more stable employment and stronger career pathways.

We are working with industry to improve working conditions and standards of behaviour, including through our continued support of the Good Work Review action plan and the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA).

The British Film Institute, as a DCMS Arm’s Length Body, has invested £1.5 million in WorkWise for Screen to help production companies strengthen their management practices. We will also appoint a Creative Freelance Champion to advocate for freelancers, who make up a disproportionate share of this workforce, in government.

Action is also being taken across Government. The Employment Rights Act 2025 and the Plan to Make Work Pay will tackle late payments, establish the right to a written contract, and extend health and safety protections. The government will also support industry to develop skills passports and begin implementation from 2026, which will support progression and help reduce the precariousness that fuels poor mental health.

The Government is clear that the strength of our film and television sector depends on a workforce that is valued, supported, and able to thrive. With opportunities ahead - including the BBC Charter Review, wider sector growth, and the continued delivery of our Sector Plan - we are focused on ensuring the workforce can flourish in a changing industry.

This Government’s ambition is to make the UK the best place in the world to make film and television. Central to that ambition is a workforce that is skilled, supported, and able to build sustainable careers.

The concerning findings of the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Survey demonstrate why workforce wellbeing sits at the heart of our Creative Industries Sector Plan, including our focus on more stable employment and stronger career pathways.

We are working with industry to improve working conditions and standards of behaviour, including through our continued support of the Good Work Review action plan and the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA).

The British Film Institute, as a DCMS Arm’s Length Body, has invested £1.5 million in WorkWise for Screen to help production companies strengthen their management practices. We will also appoint a Creative Freelance Champion to advocate for freelancers, who make up a disproportionate share of this workforce, in government.

Action is also being taken across Government. The Employment Rights Act 2025 and the Plan to Make Work Pay will tackle late payments, establish the right to a written contract, and extend health and safety protections. The government will also support industry to develop skills passports and begin implementation from 2026, which will support progression and help reduce the precariousness that fuels poor mental health.

The Government is clear that the strength of our film and television sector depends on a workforce that is valued, supported, and able to thrive. With opportunities ahead - including the BBC Charter Review, wider sector growth, and the continued delivery of our Sector Plan - we are focused on ensuring the workforce can flourish in a changing industry.

This Government’s ambition is to make the UK the best place in the world to make film and television. Central to that ambition is a workforce that is skilled, supported, and able to build sustainable careers.

The concerning findings of the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Survey demonstrate why workforce wellbeing sits at the heart of our Creative Industries Sector Plan, including our focus on more stable employment and stronger career pathways.

We are working with industry to improve working conditions and standards of behaviour, including through our continued support of the Good Work Review action plan and the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA).

The British Film Institute, as a DCMS Arm’s Length Body, has invested £1.5 million in WorkWise for Screen to help production companies strengthen their management practices. We will also appoint a Creative Freelance Champion to advocate for freelancers, who make up a disproportionate share of this workforce, in government.

Action is also being taken across Government. The Employment Rights Act 2025 and the Plan to Make Work Pay will tackle late payments, establish the right to a written contract, and extend health and safety protections. The government will also support industry to develop skills passports and begin implementation from 2026, which will support progression and help reduce the precariousness that fuels poor mental health.

The Government is clear that the strength of our film and television sector depends on a workforce that is valued, supported, and able to thrive. With opportunities ahead - including the BBC Charter Review, wider sector growth, and the continued delivery of our Sector Plan - we are focused on ensuring the workforce can flourish in a changing industry.

This Government’s ambition is to make the UK the best place in the world to make film and television. Central to that ambition is a workforce that is skilled, supported, and able to build sustainable careers.

The concerning findings of the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Survey demonstrate why workforce wellbeing sits at the heart of our Creative Industries Sector Plan, including our focus on more stable employment and stronger career pathways.

We are working with industry to improve working conditions and standards of behaviour, including through our continued support of the Good Work Review action plan and the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA).

The British Film Institute, as a DCMS Arm’s Length Body, has invested £1.5 million in WorkWise for Screen to help production companies strengthen their management practices. We will also appoint a Creative Freelance Champion to advocate for freelancers, who make up a disproportionate share of this workforce, in government.

Action is also being taken across Government. The Employment Rights Act 2025 and the Plan to Make Work Pay will tackle late payments, establish the right to a written contract, and extend health and safety protections. The government will also support industry to develop skills passports and begin implementation from 2026, which will support progression and help reduce the precariousness that fuels poor mental health.

The Government is clear that the strength of our film and television sector depends on a workforce that is valued, supported, and able to thrive. With opportunities ahead - including the BBC Charter Review, wider sector growth, and the continued delivery of our Sector Plan - we are focused on ensuring the workforce can flourish in a changing industry.

This Government’s ambition is to make the UK the best place in the world to make film and television. Central to that ambition is a workforce that is skilled, supported, and able to build sustainable careers.

The concerning findings of the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Survey demonstrate why workforce wellbeing sits at the heart of our Creative Industries Sector Plan, including our focus on more stable employment and stronger career pathways.

We are working with industry to improve working conditions and standards of behaviour, including through our continued support of the Good Work Review action plan and the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA).

The British Film Institute, as a DCMS Arm’s Length Body, has invested £1.5 million in WorkWise for Screen to help production companies strengthen their management practices. We will also appoint a Creative Freelance Champion to advocate for freelancers, who make up a disproportionate share of this workforce, in government.

Action is also being taken across Government. The Employment Rights Act 2025 and the Plan to Make Work Pay will tackle late payments, establish the right to a written contract, and extend health and safety protections. The government will also support industry to develop skills passports and begin implementation from 2026, which will support progression and help reduce the precariousness that fuels poor mental health.

The Government is clear that the strength of our film and television sector depends on a workforce that is valued, supported, and able to thrive. With opportunities ahead - including the BBC Charter Review, wider sector growth, and the continued delivery of our Sector Plan - we are focused on ensuring the workforce can flourish in a changing industry.

DCMS Ministers have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience.

The Home Defence Programme was established in August 2024 to build the UK’s resilience to any potential escalation to conflict. It is an evolving and enduring programme of work which provides defence, security and resilience planning, focused on aligning military and civil effort in the event of a period of crisis and international hostilities affecting the UK, informed by and reflecting the recommendations from government strategies, including the Strategic Defence Review, National Security Strategy and Resilience Action Plan.

DCMS is actively supporting this work.

DCMS Ministers have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience, and associated public communications.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

DCMS is actively supporting this work.

Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process will be published in due course.

Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process will be published in due course.

Officials have engaged with the senior leadership of the V&A and the Science Museum Group in recent weeks on this issue. Both museums are exploring options to resume deliveries to Northern Ireland.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has less than five employees who are reliant on a visa for employment. The exact number has been redacted to avoid identification of individuals.

Local authorities are responsible for assessing the needs of their local communities and designing a library service to meet those needs within available resources, including the opening hours, staffed and unstaffed, of its libraries. This includes ensuring children and young people have access to their services.

As the libraries development agency for England, Arts Council England collects and publishes data on library opening hours in its annual English Public Libraries Location Dataset.

The ACE English Public Libraries Location Dataset 2024 indicates that 408 statutory static libraries have an automated system to support the public when this facility is open but unstaffed.

DCMS recognises the vital role libraries play in supporting children and young people in their literacy and providing a safe place to study. DCMS’s 2024-25 Participation Survey shows that 16-19 year olds are more likely to use library services than the average adult. DCMS’s Youth Participation Pilot Survey, published in 2024, also shows that 43% of young people (10-19) visited a library in the 12 months prior. DCMS will be considering a range of evidence and best practice in development of the forthcoming Libraries Strategy.

In our response to the consultation on the statutory levy, we set out the levy’s overarching principles to ensure that the lead commissioning bodies are supporting the government in delivering on our vision for the future system. This includes a coordinated approach to prevention at the local, regional and national level and providing investment to develop and deliver harm reduction activities across Great Britain.

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities holds responsibilities for prevention programme design and commissioning in England, alongside appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales. We are collectively committed to ensuring the levy system is effective, evidence-based and aligned with wider public health principles.

The Gambling Commission has a duty to ensure that the necessary controls are in place to prevent gambling businesses being used for illicit purposes.

As part of the Operator’s Gambling Licence in Great Britain under the Condition of the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), operators are required to keep up-to-date with emerging risks information published by the Gambling Commission. This assessment is a trigger for operators to review their own money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessments and related policies, procedures and controls to ensure that they remain appropriate and effective.

The Gambling Commission regularly publishes its enforcement actions which identifies and enforces penalties for breaches. We have regular engagement with the GC on appropriate measures and keep these under review.

All operators who advertise in the UK must comply with advertising codes, which are enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority independently of government. The codes include a wide range of provisions which are designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm and ensure that adverts are socially responsible.

However, we recognise that more work needs to be done to ensure that gambling advertising does not exacerbate harm. We are working closely, across government and with industry, to ensure children and the most vulnerable are protected, and to tackle illegal gambling advertising.

In addition, the new statutory gambling levy will raise around c.£100 million in funding every year. This funding will be ringfenced to deliver priority projects and services for the research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm, further increasing awareness, understanding and treatment of gambling-related harms across Great Britain.

The Government is acutely aware of the impact that gambling harm can have on individuals, families and communities and we are committed to strengthening protections for those at risk.

We consider a wide range of evidence when making policy and regulatory decisions. This includes consideration of the recommendations in Chapter One’s report “Ten Point Plan for Gambling Harm Prevention”.

The Government's National Youth Strategy is a 10-year plan designed to ensure that every young person nationwide has somewhere to go, someone who cares for them, and a community they feel a part of. Halving the participation gap in enriching activities between disadvantaged young people and their peers is one of the clear ambitions of this cross-government strategy. Full details of the measurement of the participation gap will be published in due course. The Local Outcomes Framework has already committed to including an indicator on participation in youth services.

We are working closely with other government departments to ensure the successful delivery and accountability of the National Youth Strategy. This includes developing a set of shared outcomes to be used across departments, which will allow us to track progress against key outcomes in the strategy.

As part of the Government’s ambition to halve the participation gap, DCMS, in partnership with DfE, will invest £22.5 million through the Enrichment Expansion Programme (EEP). This funding will support up to 400 schools in areas of greatest need across England to provide youth-voice led, tailored and high-quality enrichment offers.

The programme is currently being designed, and further details on delivery timelines and school selection will be shared in due course.

The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, should have access to and benefit from quality sport and physical activity opportunities. That has to mean delivering a range of facilities across the country based on what each local community needs.

We are working closely with the sport sector stakeholders and local leaders to develop plans for funding for a range of sports across the country based on what each community needs.

This government is committed to broadening access to arts education, including specialist training for our most promising musicians and dancers irrespective of their personal or financial background through the Music and Dance Scheme. The scheme supports the Creative Industries Sector Plan commitment to increase access to quality specialist creative education provision across England to strengthen our cadre of highly trained young musicians, dancers and performing artists.

My department works closely with the Department for Education who continues to fund the scheme, providing means-tested support to over 2,000 students from lower-income families. The Department for Education currently provides £36.5 million for the MDS this academic year and future funding will be announced in due course.

This government is committed to broadening access to arts education, including specialist training for our most promising musicians and dancers irrespective of their personal or financial background through the Music and Dance Scheme. The scheme supports the Creative Industries Sector Plan commitment to increase access to quality specialist creative education provision across England to strengthen our cadre of highly trained young musicians, dancers and performing artists.

My department works closely with the Department for Education who continues to fund the scheme, providing means-tested support to over 2,000 students from lower-income families. The Department for Education currently provides £36.5 million for the MDS this academic year and future funding will be announced in due course.

My Department meets regularly with representatives of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) on a range of matters.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is the independent regulator for advertising in the UK and enforces the ‘CAP Code’ and ‘BCAP Code’, which set the standards for non-broadcast and broadcast advertising, respectively. These codes include specific rules intended to protect consumers from misleading marketing communications. If advertising includes the omission, exaggeration, or ambiguous presentation of information, for example in relation to prices, it can be considered misleading.

Further, Ofcom has overall responsibility for the regulation of non-geographic service numbers and premium rate services. Organisations using these numbers in broadcast and non-broadcast advertising must ensure that the service charge is displayed prominently and in close proximity to the number itself.

The Government published a Call for Evidence on reforming the licensing system on 7 October. This invited views on the impact of licensing reforms, including in relation to Recommendation 4 of the Licensing Taskforce, that the requirement for printed statutory notices in local newspapers for alcohol licences should be removed. The reforms collectively aim to create a modern, proportionate, and enabling system that supports economic growth, revitalises high streets and fosters vibrant communities.

The Government is also concerned about the sustainability of local journalism and DCMS is developing a Local Media Strategy, in recognition of the importance of this vital sector. We recognise that local press continues to play a central role in informing local communities, and that statutory notices, including alcohol licensing notices, can be an important way of keeping residents informed about decisions made by their council which may affect their quality of life, local services or amenities, or their property.

As part of the Local Media Strategy, we will be conducting a statutory notices review, which will take forward final decisions on the future of alcohol notices. As part of this, we will consider the merits and risks of making changes to existing requirements to place statutory notices in print local newspapers, including the impact this has on digitally excluded adults and local newspapers. More will be announced on the Strategy and the review in due course.

The UK has a self-regulatory system for the press, which is independent from Government. This is vital to ensure the public has access to accurate and trustworthy information from a range of different sources. The Government therefore does not intervene in the work of the press or independent press regulators.

Within the self-regulatory system, the majority of traditional publishers are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Some publishers have joined the Independent Monitor for the Press (Impress), while others, including the Financial Times and the Guardian, have chosen to stay outside either regulator with their own detailed self-regulatory arrangements.

These regulators enforce codes of conduct which provide guidelines on a range of areas, which include reporting on suicides. Both regulators also signpost to the Samaritans’ media guidelines for reporting on suicides and publish further advice for journalists and editors relating to reporting on suicide. Impress’ guidance is https://www.impressorg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Guidance-on-the-Impress-Standards-Code.pdf#page=65 and IPSO’s is https://www.ipso.co.uk/resources/reporting-suicide-guidance/.

Following participant fatalities in white collar boxing, the Government is exploring improvements to participant safety, and recently undertook a targeted consultation on this topic to support the development of those options. The findings are being used to inform next steps, which will be set out in due course.

As part of this work, DCMS officials have met and engaged with National Governing Bodies for boxing and white collar boxing event promoters. These stakeholders were also invited to respond to the written consultation, which ran from 6th October to 21st November, 2025. DCMS will publish its response to the consultation by Summer 2026.

The DCMS does not centrally collect data on deaths occurring at such sporting events or resulting from participation in specific sports. Primary responsibility for investigating the cause and circumstances of such deaths rests with the relevant Coroner. However, DCMS and its ALBs will respond to any relevant recommendations made by coroners when deaths have occurred as a result of sport to ensure the maintenance of safety in all sports.

Following participant fatalities in white collar boxing, the Government is exploring improvements to participant safety, and recently undertook a targeted consultation on this topic to support the development of those options. The findings are being used to inform next steps, which will be set out in due course.

As part of this work, DCMS officials have met and engaged with National Governing Bodies for boxing and white collar boxing event promoters. These stakeholders were also invited to respond to the written consultation, which ran from 6th October to 21st November, 2025. DCMS will publish its response to the consultation by Summer 2026.

The DCMS does not centrally collect data on deaths occurring at such sporting events or resulting from participation in specific sports. Primary responsibility for investigating the cause and circumstances of such deaths rests with the relevant Coroner. However, DCMS and its ALBs will respond to any relevant recommendations made by coroners when deaths have occurred as a result of sport to ensure the maintenance of safety in all sports.

Following participant fatalities in white collar boxing, the Government is exploring improvements to participant safety, and recently undertook a targeted consultation on this topic to support the development of those options. The findings are being used to inform next steps, which will be set out in due course.

As part of this work, DCMS officials have met and engaged with National Governing Bodies for boxing and white collar boxing event promoters. These stakeholders were also invited to respond to the written consultation, which ran from 6th October to 21st November, 2025. DCMS will publish its response to the consultation by Summer 2026.

The DCMS does not centrally collect data on deaths occurring at such sporting events or resulting from participation in specific sports. Primary responsibility for investigating the cause and circumstances of such deaths rests with the relevant Coroner. However, DCMS and its ALBs will respond to any relevant recommendations made by coroners when deaths have occurred as a result of sport to ensure the maintenance of safety in all sports.

Following participant fatalities in white collar boxing, the Government is exploring improvements to participant safety, and recently undertook a targeted consultation on this topic to support the development of those options. The findings are being used to inform next steps, which will be set out in due course.

As part of this work, DCMS officials have met and engaged with National Governing Bodies for boxing and white collar boxing event promoters. These stakeholders were also invited to respond to the written consultation, which ran from 6th October to 21st November, 2025. DCMS will publish its response to the consultation by Summer 2026.

The DCMS does not centrally collect data on deaths occurring at such sporting events or resulting from participation in specific sports. Primary responsibility for investigating the cause and circumstances of such deaths rests with the relevant Coroner. However, DCMS and its ALBs will respond to any relevant recommendations made by coroners when deaths have occurred as a result of sport to ensure the maintenance of safety in all sports.

On 2 March DCMS announced £150,000 for public libraries to support the National Year of Reading. Funding will be delivered by The Reading Agency in support of the Go All In campaign to reconnect people with reading for pleasure.

The £150,000 fund is expected to support projects across 72 library authority areas which are disadvantaged by high deprivation, weak social infrastructure and low library engagement with the aim of encouraging greater library use and new members.

Public libraries are central to the success of the National Year of Reading’s campaign to engage people of all ages with reading across the UK. The Reading Agency has been appointed to work with sector partners to deliver and support public library engagement. The Summer Reading Challenge in 2026, and World Book Night, the annual celebration of reading for adults on 23 April 2026, will be key moments for libraries during the National Year of Reading 2026. Throughout the year, The Reading Agency will provide public libraries with resources, toolkits, and print and digital materials to support their work and boost engagement.

The Government recognises the vital role of breweries and beer brands in both local communities and the attractiveness of the UK as a visitor destination. While DCMS has not made a formal assessment, we continue working with other Government departments to ensure that targeted support is provided for the sector.

The Government is committed to helping breweries grow through exports and supports all businesses, including exporters, via the new Business Growth Service (Business.gov.uk) which has integrated our support in a single, accessible platform, designed to help businesses across the UK start, scale, and succeed globally. The Chancellor also announced in January that pubs will get a 15% cut to new Business Rates bills from April followed by a two-year real-terms freeze.

The Government also provides showcase opportunities for the British Beers such as at embassy tastings, trade missions and global trade shows that connect producers directly with buyers and distributors. Breweries of all sizes can also access UK Export Finance (UKEF), which offers a wide range of financial products to support exporters and export-ready businesses.

The forthcoming Visitor Economy Growth Strategy will set out a long-term plan to increase visitor flows across the UK, boost value, and deliver sustainable growth. Central to this strategy is the delivery of greater regional dispersal, ensuring that visitor income is spread effectively across regional destinations, including rural and coastal communities.

Public libraries are central to the success of the National Year of Reading’s campaign to engage people of all ages with reading, as free and trusted spaces for learning and connection at the heart of their communities.

On 2 March DCMS announced £150,000 for public libraries to support the National Year of Reading. Funding will be delivered by The Reading Agency in support of the Go All In campaign to reconnect people with reading for pleasure.

Community managed libraries can complement the variety of services available across the public library network, and add value through building upon available services and ensuring close collaboration with the community. However, it is important that councils continue to invest in their statutory library networks, employing skilled and experienced staff.

The National Youth Strategy includes a shift from ‘national to local’ - this means there is a renewed focus on the role, capability, and leadership of local authorities, working closely with local partners. It also means local young people being more involved in funding decisions.

The £70m Local Youth Transformation programme is improving local authorities’ capability to rebuild a high-quality youth offer and develop a network of 50 Young Futures Hubs which will be co-designed by local authorities and young people. Through the Richer Young Lives Fund, we are also investing over £60 million over the next 3 years, enabling local organisations to deliver high-quality youth work and activities.

The government is committed to supporting volunteers, who play a vital role in supporting charities, strengthening communities, delivering services and driving positive change in local areas.

Organisations have a dual responsibility to protect volunteers from harm and to secure indemnity against third-party claims arising from volunteer activities. While public liability insurance is a decision for individual organisations, the Charity Commission advises charities to provide volunteers with the same insurance protections as employees, extending standard Employers’ Liability and Public Liability policies to cover them.

The Government is committed to transitioning to a circular economy which will present an opportunity to create a more inclusive economy, building shared social and economic value for citizens, businesses and communities. The Government recognises that repair and reuse are fundamental tenets of any circular economy, and acknowledges the important role that skilled volunteers and community repair groups play in supporting repair and re‑use and in helping reduce waste. This will be considered within Defra’s forthcoming Circular Economy Growth Plan, which will outline how we will support the transition to a more circular economy.

Volunteering and social action are a cornerstone of society, with more than half of England’s adult population volunteering at least once a year. In recognition of volunteering's vital role in communities, the Government is investing in a new open data infrastructure to make it easier for volunteers to find opportunities that align with their skills, expertise and routines. The Department is also supporting The Big Help Out 2026, which aims to make volunteering opportunities more accessible and inspire new volunteers.

From 1 April 2026, the government will introduce a new VAT relief for businesses that donate goods to charities. This will help boost the supply of essential items to charities, enabling them to reach the people and communities who need them most. It will also make it easier for businesses to give surplus stock a second life, reducing waste and landfill.

This Government is committed to supporting people at risk of loneliness, including those with hearing loss, to have the social connections they need. Our ambition to strengthen positive social connections is a key part of achieving wider government objectives to create a healthier society and more connected communities that benefit everyone. My department has been working hard to ensure social connection and tackling loneliness are key themes throughout government policy.

The Action Plan on Hearing Loss (2015) sets out key objectives on hearing loss including, prevention, early diagnosis, maximising independence, and enabling people to take part in every-day activities. The government also funds the Tackling Loneliness Hub, an online forum for people working on loneliness, including health practitioners, to come together and share insights, research and best practice. The Hub frequently spotlights issues affecting specific demographics; this March, an event will be hosted to address loneliness among older people with hearing loss.

The Government recognises the significant contribution that racing and other sports make to the nation’s economy and sporting landscape. DCMS and HMT Ministers have regular engagement on betting and gaming levies.

Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process for the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund will be published in due course. We are not yet in a position to confirm a date for the publication of this guidance.

While there is no specific support available for faith interface and reconciliation work, Historic England, the government’s statutory advisor on the historic environment, provides grants for projects that repair, conserve and care for historic places including buildings, structures, monuments, landscapes and areas. Such grants can also be provided for unexpected discoveries, including objects.

Historic England can then support further stages of work through separate research grants, where applicable, such as for removal and transportation of objects, and conservation and archiving. Details of such ‘emergency funding’ can be found on Historic England’s website.

A review of the harmonised standard for ethnicity data collection is underway by the Government Statistical Service Harmonisation team.

A public consultation between October 2025 and February 2026 sought views from a wide range of users, including Government Departments and public bodies, to understand user needs for ethnic group data. This was supplemented by a programme of engagement activity, including with representatives of all government departments.

The ONS has committed to providing an initial response to the public consultation in April, and a full report on the consultation in late summer 2026 will include more detailed information on the departments that responded to the consultation.

Insurance providers make commercial decisions about the terms and price on which they will offer cover following an assessment of the relevant risks. This is usually informed by the insurer’s claims experience and other industry-wide statistics. For listed properties, insurers may consider factors such as the building’s grade and heritage value, alongside the higher costs of specialist materials and skilled labour required for repairs.

The Government is working with Historic England, our statutory advisor on heritage matters, to look at the impacts of increased insurance premiums for historic properties.

At this stage, the Government has not made an assessment of the interesting studies identifying Soulton Hall as the likely place of reburial for Erkenwald and the location of the High Altar stone of Old St Pauls.

Currently, the architectural and historical significance of Soulton Hall is recognised through its Grade II* listing designation. Historic England, the government's statutory advisor on the historic environment, has received an application to amend the current List entry for Soulton Hall, and is considering the information provided. Historic England will then submit any subsequent recommendation to amend the List to DCMS for consideration.

Historic England, the government’s statutory advisor on the historic environment, provides a wide range of resources and support to private owners of historic buildings, on matters from energy efficiency to maintenance to helping owners secure the most appropriate insurance for their properties. In addition, the planning reforms on which the government is consulting will make it easier for owners to make appropriate changes to buildings.

‘Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy’ is a 10 year plan to ensure every young person across the country has somewhere to go, someone who cares for them and a community they feel part of.

The strategy is supported by more than £500 million in funding from DCMS over the next three years, including £150 million in revenue funding. Additionally, the government’s ‘Every Child Can’ programme is backed by £132.5m of dormant assets to break down barriers for disadvantaged young people to access to culture, sport and enrichment opportunities

Through working with philanthropists, social impact investors, and businesses to unlock match funding, we aim to increase the revenue funding available for youth services and support them further.