Anna Sabine
Liberal Democrat - Frome and East Somerset
5,415 (11.6%) majority - 2024 General ElectionFirst elected: 4th July 2024
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Culture, Media and Sport)
(since October 2025)2 APPG Officer Positions (as of 12 Oct 2026)
Digital Communities, Music Education5 APPG Memberships
Climate Change, Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention, United Nations Global Goals, Fair Elections1 Former APPG Officer Position
Suicide and Self-Harm PreventionDivision Voting information
Anna Sabine voted No - against a party majority - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 59 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 1 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 277 Noes - 158
Anna Sabine voted No - against a party majority - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 59 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 1 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 277 Noes - 158
Debates during the 2024 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Sparring Partners
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
(11 debate interactions)
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
(9 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(34 debate contributions)
(31 debate contributions)
(21 debate contributions)
(17 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(5,251 words contributed)
(2,698 words contributed)
(1,123 words contributed)
(641 words contributed)
Frome and East Somerset Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
of 134,533 signatures (0.50%)
of 37,943 signatures (0.46%)
of 57,185 signatures (0.41%)
of 42,513 signatures (0.27%)
of 75,083 signatures (0.27%)
of 134,533 signatures (0.50%)
of 127,765 signatures (0.21%)
of 57,185 signatures (0.41%)
of 75,083 signatures (0.27%)
of 37,943 signatures (0.46%)
Petition Closed
Do not ban social media for under 16s
Gov Responded - 4 Mar 2026 Debated on - 2 Nov 2026 View Anna Sabine's petition debate contributionsclosed 2 months, 3 weeks ago
I think the government shouldn’t ban social media for under 16s. This is because for many young people social media is how they communicate with their friends. Some people view social media as a lifeline. A community, a supportive network. This is why I think the government shouldn’t ban it.
Latest EDMs signed by Anna Sabine
Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or
Tabled by: Anna Sabine (Liberal Democrat - Frome and East Somerset)That this House celebrates the outstanding efforts of Harry Kane, captain of the England men’s football team; recognises him as one of this country’s greatest footballers; further celebrates him being awarded the 2026 Ballon d’Or, the first British footballer for 25 years, making him officially the world’s best footballer; also …
(Most recent: 4 Nov 2026)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 19
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Foster care system
Tabled by: Jo White (Labour - Bassetlaw)That this House notes the need to reform the foster care system, particularly around attachment, carers’ rights and policy change initiatives; promotes Noah’s Campaign which aims to prevent trauma caused by broken attachments in foster care, prioritises child attachment over administrative processes, and protects the child’s support network; further notes …
(Most recent: 26 Oct 2026)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 5
Liberal Democrat: 5
Green Party: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Independent: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Anna Sabine, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Anna Sabine has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Anna Sabine has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
1 Bill introduced by Anna Sabine
A Bill to make fire and rescue authorities statutory consultees for planning applications relating to Battery Energy Storage Systems; and for connected purposes.
Monday 21st October 2024
1 Bill co-sponsored by Anna Sabine
Perinatal Mental Health Assessments Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Laura Kyrke-Smith (Lab)
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)12 Other Department Questions
DCMS will set future year CDEL allocations as part of departmental business planning exercises. This will seek to ensure that departmental objectives and priorities are protected as far as possible within budgetary control totals.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
In the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the government committed to working with the creative industries to support sector training pathways and ensure the workforce is prepared for the future of work. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Department for Education (DfE) and Skills England work closely with industry on this agenda, including through our regular Creative Sector Skills Forum. In addition, DfE has also established a Creative Qualifications Policy Group to develop evidence-based advice on how reformed post-16 qualifications, including T Levels, V Levels and level 2 reformed qualifications, can best meet the skills and progression needs of the sector. The first meeting of this group, which includes DCMS and sector experts and representatives, took place on 20th October and was attended by the Minister for Skills.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
In the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the government committed to working with the creative industries to support sector training pathways and ensure the workforce is prepared for the future of work. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Department for Education (DfE) and Skills England work closely with industry on this agenda, including through our regular Creative Sector Skills Forum. In addition, DfE has also established a Creative Qualifications Policy Group to develop evidence-based advice on how reformed post-16 qualifications, including T Levels, V Levels and level 2 reformed qualifications, can best meet the skills and progression needs of the sector. The first meeting of this group, which includes DCMS and sector experts and representatives, took place on 20th October and was attended by the Minister for Skills.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
In the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the government committed to working with the creative industries to support sector training pathways and ensure the workforce is prepared for the future of work. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Department for Education (DfE) and Skills England work closely with industry on this agenda, including through our regular Creative Sector Skills Forum. In addition, DfE has also established a Creative Qualifications Policy Group to develop evidence-based advice on how reformed post-16 qualifications, including T Levels, V Levels and level 2 reformed qualifications, can best meet the skills and progression needs of the sector. The first meeting of this group, which includes DCMS and sector experts and representatives, took place on 20th October and was attended by the Minister for Skills.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
The government recognises the vital role of grassroots live comedy and is working to support the sector. Arts Council England (ACE) awarded a £45,000 grant in October 2026 to the Live Comedy Association (LCA) for a 10-month support programme to benefit the sector, including grassroots organisations. Officials are also advising on the LCA’s annual survey. Officials are in regular contact with the Comedy Representation and Artform Trust (CRAFT) on policy issues.
In May, ACE delivered a dedicated funding information session to help comedy organisations and artists, including those working at grassroots level, access available funding.
DCMS has also supported live comedy by providing a one-off £7 million grant to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society (EFFS) for 2024 to 2026. As one of the world’s largest live comedy and arts festivals, funding has supported a new permanent home for the Society, a digital transformation project, and an artist support fund, ‘Keep it Fringe Fund’ (KIFF). KIFF has helped UK artists develop and perform work at the Fringe, including many that may otherwise have been unable to take part.
Self-employed comedy workers will also benefit from the work of the recently appointed Freelance Champions.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Evidence has shown that investment in youth services, fun and enriching activities, and trusted adults such as youth workers, can help build young people’s skills for life and work. This is by supporting the development of soft skills, which are associated with positive longer term outcomes such as teamwork, resilience and self-confidence, in addition to improving mental wellbeing. It can also help young people access opportunities they may not get at school or college.
This is why we’ve launched Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy. It is an ambitious plan to support young people to learn and get into good jobs, and is backed by over £500 million of funding from DCMS for fun things to do outside of school, support when and where young people need it, more safe spaces and access to trusted adults.
To deliver on the commitments made in Youth Matters, we will provide over £400 million to enable youth organisations across the country to deliver high-quality youth work and activities as well as refurbish or build up to 250 youth facilities through the Youth Matters Fund. DCMS, in strategic partnership with DfE, has also launched a £22.5 million investment across 3 years to support up to 400 schools to provide a youth led, tailored enrichment offer through the Enrichment Expansion Programme. Alongside this, DCMS has announced a £132.5m investment of dormant assets into Every Child Can, which will fund opportunities exclusively across five key categories of enrichment: civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoor and adventure; sport and physical activities; and developing wider life and future skills.
50 Young Futures Hubs will launch by the end of this Parliament to offer mental health support, careers guidance, and activities to support young people progress into education, employment and training and other positive pathways. Eight Young Futures Hubs became operational in the 25/26 financial year, and on 16th September we announced the local authorities who will develop the next 42 new hubs and be operational by March 2029. These have been developed in partnership with DWP, and will link with Youth Hubs and complement the Youth Guarantee to support youth employment and learning. We’ll also be funding 1,000 new specialised youth workers for community-based, early intervention support for young people at high risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training). This is part of our work to rebuild the youth workforce, advancing our goal for 500,000 more young people to be able to access a trusted adult by 2035.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
The Secretary of State has made no such assessment as national museums are operationally independent from the government, with decisions about commercial and philanthropic donations taken by their trustees. All national museums sponsored by DCMS operate within a mixed funding model, combining public funding with self-generated income.
The British Museum considers any donations in line with its published Acceptance of Donations and Sponsorship Policy. The Government’s policy is that the consideration of these matters remains the responsibility of the bodies concerned, and there are no plans to alter this.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
On 26 August the Government published new independent research, delivered by Ipsos and Nordicity, examining the impact of changes to UK-EU touring on the UK's creative industries. The findings show that UK artists and their support staff touring across Europe significantly contribute to the UK and European Union’s economies and the interconnectedness of the two ecosystems.
The research provides the strongest evidence base to date on the experiences of artists, musicians and the wider creative sector touring in Europe. It will help to inform the Government's ongoing work to deliver the manifesto commitment to support touring artists, as well as support the industry’s engagement with EU partners, led by the Cultural Exchange Coalition.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
DCMS monitors the music sector’s contribution to the UK economy over time through our Economic Estimates, which provide regular official estimates including Gross Value Added (GVA), employment, and trade. To capture live music sector trends, the Department monitors data, evidence and reports produced by key sector bodies - including UK Music, LIVE, and the Music Venue Trust - including on event activity, ticket sales, music tourism, and venue health. This joint approach ensures the Department maintains robust intelligence on the live music ecosystem across the UK.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Guidance for local planning authorities and conservation officers on installing solar panels on listed buildings can be found in Historic England Advice Note (HEAN) 18 on Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency. Historic England also provides a technical advice note on its website to help property owners and those involved in managing, maintaining, or making changes to historic buildings understand the issues to be considered when designing and installing solar power systems.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Minister for Women and Equalities
The administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme is the responsibility of the Cabinet Office.
The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government.
The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve.
Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
Capita prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. The same position was reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March.
While hardship estimates are not held, Capita has made lump sum payments to 10,147members, the majority of whom have retired but are not yet receiving their pension, and are on track to bring these members into regular pension payments by the end of April.
To provide immediate financial support to those who may need it, including those who have been dismissed with compensation, arrangements are in place for interest-free bridging loans typically up to £5,000 or £10,000 in exceptional cases to most recent retirees facing payment delays. This is alongside interim lump sum payments being made to provide immediate funds to retiring members. The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on time.
The Cabinet Office has mandated Capita that they must restore service levels by the end of June 2026. We are using every commercial lever at our disposal, including withholding payments for deliverables that have not been met. We also reserve the right to take further formal action to ensure the service returns to the required standards.
The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government.
The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve.
Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already been applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme. We have implemented regular technical stand-ups between Cabinet Office experts and Capita administrators to monitor recovery velocity. Ministers are also regularly updated on the situation.
Capita prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. The same position was reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March.
Capita has made lump sum payments to 8,979 members, the majority of whom have retired but are not yet receiving their pension, and are on track to bring these members into regular pension payments by the end of April.
To provide immediate financial support to those who may need it, including those who have been dismissed with compensation, arrangements are in place for interest-free bridging loans typically up to £5,000 or £10,000 in exceptional cases to most recent retirees facing payment delays. This is alongside interim lump sum payments being made to provide immediate funds to retiring members. The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on time.
The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates, although this is only for the recovery period, and can be discontinued at any time. There are currently no other plans to publish regular statistics on Capita’s performance.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS), including the implementation of the 2015 Remedy (McCloud), is the responsibility of the Minister for the Cabinet Office.
Of the c.430,000 members subject to the McCloud judgment, all those retiring after 1 October 2023 have, or will, make a choice between their preferred pension options and no amendments need to be made to their pension in payment, as the work has been completed for this group.
Approximately 130,000 members who retired prior to October 2023, require an 'Immediate Choice' Remediable Service Statement, of which 44% (58,000) were issued before 31 March 2025 and members in this group (42,000) have confirmed their choice and their elections have been fully implemented. For the remaining 56% (c.70,000) of complex cases, the Cabinet Office has extended the delivery date to March 2027 both to prioritise accuracy for members and to protect wider services to all 1.7 million pension members. Capita, the new administrator from 1 December 2025 is drawing up plans and timelines for completion of this work.
It should be noted that many members who retired prior to October 2023, are not better off as a result of McCloud judgment and many choose to remain on the pension already in payment.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS), including the implementation of the 2015 Remedy (McCloud), is the responsibility of the Minister for the Cabinet Office.
The Government is committed to implementing the remedy as quickly as possible. Capita took over responsibility of the Civil Service Pension Scheme from 1 December 2025, and Capita is currently preparing a delivery plan for undertaking all the outstanding Remedy work required.
Since October 2023 all members starting to receive their pension for the first time have been given their 2015 election options prior to their pension being put into payment.
From the Remedy group, there are c.70k members remaining (from the original 430k) requiring the issuing of a Remediable Service Statement and these are expected to be completed by March 2027. This will enable the member to either continue with their current benefits or opt for the alternative. It is important to note that all impacted members in receipt of a pension are already receiving benefits and that the remedy is an adjustment and the alternative scheme benefits will not automatically provide a member with a higher pension and lump sum. Where it does and the member makes an alternative scheme election, the difference between what has been paid and what is due, will be backdated to the original payment date and paid to the member inclusive of interest.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.
A response to the Hon lady’s Parliamentary Question of 25th April is attached.
Minister of State (Education)
4 Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Questions
(View all Anna Sabine's BIST questions)The Government has been following the development of the EU’s Union Customs Code reforms closely, including the removal of the €150 customs duty relief for small parcels from 1 July 2026. These are EU domestic measures, and we are engaging with the European Commission and UK businesses to understand the implications. My department has published guidance on gov.uk to support exporters to continue to access EU markets.
We recognise the importance of the UNESCO Florence Agreement in promoting the exchange of educational, scientific and cultural materials by reducing customs barriers that could impede knowledge exchange.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
In November I met with Royal Mail’s CEO and stressed the importance of a reliable postal service including for first and second class mail.
As the independent regulator for the postal sector, it is for Ofcom to oversee Royal Mail’s delivery of the universal service obligation and decide how to respond should Royal Mail fail to meet its obligations. While the government does not have a role in Ofcom’s regulatory decisions, I also recently met with representatives from Ofcom who reasserted their commitment to ensuring that the universal postal service meets the reasonable needs of users.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Ofcom are the independent regulator of postal services, and the Government do not collect or hold this type of information. Ofcom has a duty to ensure the provision of a financially sustainable and efficient universal postal service. It monitors Royal Mail’s provision of the universal service and has powers to investigate and take enforcement action if Royal Mail fails to achieve its performance targets as appropriate, taking account of all relevant factors.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Ofcom are the independent regulator of postal services, and the Government do not collect or hold this type of information. Ofcom has a duty to ensure the provision of a financially sustainable and efficient universal postal service. It monitors Royal Mail’s provision of the universal service and has powers to investigate and take enforcement action if Royal Mail fails to achieve its performance targets as appropriate, taking account of all relevant factors.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
DESNZ and MHCLG work regularly together on planning policy. For Nationally Significant (NSIP) solar projects, the National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure, updated in January 2026, sets out the importance of solar and how heritage considerations should be accounted for. For solar projects under 100MW, the updated National Planning Policy Framework published in August 2026 gives greater prominence to, and strengthens the framework for, renewable generation infrastructure such as solar. The Government will continue to work together to update the Planning Practice Guidance including how specific considerations for solar farms such as heritage impacts, should be applied in practice.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD) tracks the progress of UK renewable electricity projects over 150kW through the planning system. It is possible to filter the database for rooftop solar PV installations, but we cannot identify which are for large retail premises, including supermarkets, and will not likely capture installations which fall below the 150kW threshold. It is therefore also not possible to identify which installations are on car parks.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The government has not made an assessment of the potential impact of solar panels installed on supermarket car parks or supermarket roofs to renewable energy generation targets.
We do, however, recognise that deployment of solar capacity on car parks has several potential key benefits to help meet our targets by:
- Enabling deployment in urban and commercial areas closer to demand sites, reducing electricity network constraints.
- Resulting in multi-functional land use, generating clean, renewable electricity and providing shelter to vehicles while maintaining the primary purpose of parking.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government recognises the role community groups play in our efforts to tackle climate change and our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.
In 2025/26 Community Energy Groups will be able to access a share of £5 million in grant funding through the Great British Energy Community Fund to help communities develop their own clean energy projects. This will continue the work of the Community Energy Fund, which enabled both rural and urban communities across England to access grant funding to develop local renewable energy projects for investment. Once GBE is fully operational it will develop its longer-term support offer for Community Energy Groups as well as for Local and Mayoral Strategic Authorities.
The community energy sector can access further funding support through Ofgem’s Just Transition Fund, which is open to applications from community groups.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Installations of any insulation under current Government schemes must comply with the PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 standards. In any instance where insulation is installed improperly under these schemes, consumers are entitled to remediation by their installer or, failing that, the guarantee provided.
The TrustMark website contains further guidance on how consumers can complain if things go wrong and the dispute resolution process: https://www.trustmark.org.uk/homeowners/if-things-go-wrong.
Through the Warm Homes Plan, the Government will further drive up the quality of installations and protect consumers.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Public sector digital services are expected to be secure, resilient and effective. This is supported by a framework of safeguards, including data protection legislation, UK security standards, the Cloud First policy, commercial rules and the Data and AI Ethics Framework.
Under UK data protection law, data controllers (including Government Departments) must ensure personal data is protected, including internationally. Where cloud providers may be subject to overseas obligations, such as the US CLOUD Act, Departments as controllers are responsible for assessing and, if necessary, mitigating the risks.
The UK has an adequacy decision for certain US transfers under the UK Extension to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which assessed US access laws, including the CLOUD Act. Where adequacy is not relied upon, organisations must use Article 46 safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses.
Given the ICO's role as the UK’s independent regulator, the Government has not had individual engagement on this matter specifically but note that Departments (as data controllers) ensure compliance and engage with it as appropriate.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Under UK data protection laws, organisations must ensure personal data is appropriately protected when transferred internationally.
The UK has an adequacy decision for the US, which included an assessment of US national security safeguards. Where adequacy is not relied upon, organisations must rely on alternative safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses.
The UK has been designated a ‘qualifying state’ by the US under Executive Order 14086 allowing individuals whose personal data has been transferred to the US access to redress mechanisms if they believe their personal data has been accessed or handled unlawfully by US authorities for national security purposes.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Where cloud service providers may be subject to overseas legal obligations, including the United States CLOUD Act, departments are responsible as data controllers to assess and mitigate the associated risks.
The UK has an adequacy decision for certain transfers to the US under the UK Extension to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. This decision assessed US laws and practices relating to government access to data, including the US CLOUD Act. This analysis is published and available on GOV.UK. Where adequacy is not relied upon, organisations must use alternative safeguards in line with Article 46 of the UK GDPR, such as standard contractual clauses.
Departments’ assessments enable them to identify and implement proportionate mitigations. These may include technical controls, such as encryption and strict access restrictions, contractual safeguards with service providers, and organisational measures governing data handling and oversight. Where relevant, departments must also assess the application of UK international data transfer provisions and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Our assessment is that rural coverage is not good enough which is why we are committed to improving it.
We are committed to delivering nationwide gigabit coverage by 2030. More than £2 billion of contracts have been signed to provide access to gigabit-capable broadband to over a million more premises.The vast majority of the premises to be covered by these contracts will be in rural areas.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport recognises the vital contribution that freelancers provide to the cultural ecosystem of this country. We are taking a number of steps to support this part of the creative workforce, as set out in our Creative Industries Sector Plan, and that is why we will shortly announce the appointment of a Freelance Champion, who will advocate for the creative sector’s freelancers within government.
The government has made no assessment of the financial impact on freelance workers in the UK television and creative industries of Covid-era Government-backed loans issued to limited company contractors.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
DCMS officials have had discussions with DHSC on the value of arts and culture to public health and wellbeing. DCMS also routinely meets with its arms-length body, Arts Council England (ACE), on their work to support people’s health, happiness and wellbeing via access to high-quality cultural and creative activities.
Research commissioned by DCMS' Culture and Heritage Capital Programme found that general engagement with culture and heritage positively impacts physical health, mental health, and productivity, which for adults, is valued at £18.6bn per year. For adults aged 65 years and over who attend a choir weekly, there is an estimated benefit on a society-wide level of £170m.
Adults over 50 years old who engage with cultural venues have delayed dementia onset, resulting in social care and NHS savings of £0.38bn.
The government supports the arts sector, including choirs and singing through ACE. For the 2024/25 financial year, ACE allocated £1.83 million in National Lottery Project Grants to projects classified under 'Choral’.
Within ACE’s National Portfolio Investment Programme, 334 organisations provide “creative health” programming. To support this work, the Arts Council provides an annual investment of £145 million to National Portfolio Organisations whose activities incorporate creative health.
ACE has also co-funded the National Academy of Social Proscribing (NASP) to deliver the Power of Music programme, which aims to transform how music supports dementia care within NHS systems.
Regarding the potential role of an extended Orchestra Tax Relief, fiscal policy and the design of tax reliefs are the remit of His Majesty’s Treasury.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
The BBC is a vital national institution and an engine of the nations and regions. In that context, this news is concerning for the BBC workforce who are facing significant uncertainty, and for the sector as a whole. The BBC is delivering significant savings, which requires difficult decisions to be made independent of the Government. The BBC have stated that there will be more information on their plans later this year. Looking ahead, the Charter Review aims to deliver a BBC that is sustainably funded in a way that sets the BBC on a path to thrive until well into the latter half of this century.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
The BBC is a vital national institution and an engine of the nations and regions. In that context, this news is concerning for the BBC workforce who are facing significant uncertainty, and for the sector as a whole. The BBC is delivering significant savings, which requires difficult decisions to be made independent of the Government. The BBC have stated that there will be more information on their plans later this year. Looking ahead, the Charter Review aims to deliver a BBC that is sustainably funded in a way that sets the BBC on a path to thrive until well into the latter half of this century.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
The BBC is a vital national institution and an engine of the nations and regions. In that context, this news is concerning for the BBC workforce who are facing significant uncertainty, and for the sector as a whole. The BBC is delivering significant savings, which requires difficult decisions to be made independent of the Government. The BBC have stated that there will be more information on their plans later this year. Looking ahead, the Charter Review aims to deliver a BBC that is sustainably funded in a way that sets the BBC on a path to thrive until well into the latter half of this century.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
The BBC is a vital national institution and an engine of the nations and regions. In that context, this news is concerning for the BBC workforce who are facing significant uncertainty, and for the sector as a whole. The BBC is delivering significant savings, which requires difficult decisions to be made independent of the Government. The BBC have stated that there will be more information on their plans later this year. Looking ahead, the Charter Review aims to deliver a BBC that is sustainably funded in a way that sets the BBC on a path to thrive until well into the latter half of this century.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring public access to swimming and leisure facilities.
Sport England, our Arm’s Length Body for grassroots sport, monitors facilities stock through their Active Places dataset. As of March 2026, there are 4,070 operational swimming pools for public access, with 1,669 owned by a Local Authority.
As of December 2025, there were 804 operational sports halls owned by Local Authorities.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring public access to swimming and leisure facilities.
Sport England, our Arm’s Length Body for grassroots sport, monitors facilities stock through their Active Places dataset. As of March 2026, there are 4,070 operational swimming pools for public access, with 1,669 owned by a Local Authority.
As of December 2025, there were 804 operational sports halls owned by Local Authorities.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
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.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
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.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
DCMS does not hold data on the number of visitors to sites owned by Historic England. The National Heritage Collection, operated by English Heritage Trust, comprises more than 400 historic sites and monuments, and the majority of these are free to enter. As some of these sites are not staffed on a day-to-day basis, English Heritage are unable to collect complete data on visitors to these sites by age group.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, last published on 6 November 2025, identified 4,891 heritage assets at risk in England. The register identifies designated sites that are most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development. More information can be found on Historic England’s website: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/buildings-at-risk/.
While no assessment has been made of the adequacy of apprenticeship and training provisions to support the repair and conservation of heritage, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working with the heritage sector to utilise the government’s investment in skills education to grow the workforce. We are engaging with the Department for Education and Skills England to ensure heritage skills are recognised and developed. Through the fully funded SME apprenticeships for under-25s, we are giving smaller heritage organisations the opportunity to deliver flexible, affordable apprenticeships in heritage skills and conservation.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Youth empowerment is at the core of the National Youth Strategy. We have committed to putting young people in the driving seat of their own lives and empowering them to shape the solutions and decisions that impact them. Over the coming months, we are working with young people to create these opportunities for youth empowerment.
The DCMS grant for the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) programme currently runs until 31st March 2026. Decisions relating to future funding will be communicated in due course.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
DCMS has not conducted a formal impact assessment on UK musicians regarding the additional CITES permit requirements that an Appendix I listing would require.
Consultation on CITES proposals are led by DEFRA, who engaged extensively with the music sector and DCMS Officials ahead of the recent COP20 to understand potential implications of uplisting Brazilwood (Pernambuco) to Appendix I. This evidence informed the UK’s position to oppose an uplisting as it would have imposed significant negative impacts through increased administrative burdens and restrictions on the movement of finished bows, without delivering a clear conservation benefit.
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Each Young Futures Hub will meet three outcomes of increasing opportunities, improving mental health and wellbeing, and reducing crime.
We are collaborating with DHSC, NHS England, and health partners to ensure Young Futures Hubs meet young people's emerging needs, providing early mental health and wellbeing support. Early Support Hubs built the evidence base for next year's Young Futures Hubs, with evaluation findings directly informing the programme.
The Early Support Hubs were initially funded through the Shared Outcomes Fund in the 2024/25 financial year. The programme has since been extended for a further year to 2025/26.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
This Government fully recognises the importance of youth services in helping young people live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives, and is committed to building on great youth services by developing the National Youth Strategy, strengthening services and expanding opportunities for all young people.
As part of this Strategy, Young Futures Hubs will leverage local understanding of services in each area to improve support for young people at community level, increasing opportunities, improving mental health and wellbeing, and reducing crime. 50 Young Futures Hubs across the country will be supported by the end of this Parliament.
We are working closely with DHSC, NHS England and a number of health stakeholders, to ensure that Young Futures Hubs offer services together to support young people with emerging needs, including early mental health advice and wellbeing interventions. This includes using learnings from programmes such as Early Support Hubs.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
The Department for Health and Social Care is responsible for Early Support Hubs, and interventions into young people’s mental health.
Young Futures Hubs, developed by DCMS, will leverage local understanding of services in each area to improve support for young people at community level, increasing opportunities, improving mental health and wellbeing, and reducing crime. 50 Young Futures Hubs across the country will be supported by the end of this Parliament.
We are working closely with DHSC, NHS England, and health partners to ensure Young Futures Hubs builds on existing evidence to meet young people's emerging needs, including early mental health and wellbeing support.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)