Oral Answers to Questions

Stephanie Peacock Excerpts

Thursday 3rd July 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)]

I established the women’s football taskforce in 2024 in response to the Karen Carney review of women’s football. The taskforce aims to achieve a financially sustainable women’s football pyramid, raising minimum standards for players, fans and everyone involved in the game. As the Euros begin, I know the whole House will join me in wishing the Lionesses, and of course Wales, the very best of luck.

[James MacCleary]

I thank the Minister for her response; I know she is aware of some of the financial challenges that my local club in Lewes faces. With England about to start the defence of their European title in Switzerland against France on Saturday, does she share my concern that, despite the phenomenal rise in popularity of the women’s game, domestic prize money for the women’s FA cup still falls woefully short of that for the men’s? It is frankly embarrassing that in 2025 we still tolerate that glaring inequality. Will she support my call for the Football Association and the Premier League to equalise the women’s FA cup prize fund, so that women footballers are rewarded equally for the same achievement as their male counterparts?

[Stephanie Peacock]

I know that the hon. Gentleman is a huge supporter and champion of women’s football, and I look forward to visiting his constituency in September. I have heard the calls from the Liberal Democrat Benches and across the House on the FA cup prize money. The FA has taken steps to increase the total fund for the women’s FA cup and we are paying attention to what happens next.

[Anna Dixon (Shipley) (Lab)]

7. What steps she is taking to help ensure that disabled people have equal access to live events.

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[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

8. What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to employer national insurance contributions on charities.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)]

The Government highly value the charity sector and its positive contribution. However, we have had to take a number of difficult decisions on tax, welfare and spending to fix the public finances, fund public services and restore economic stability.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations puts the cost at £1.4 billion. That is right, isn’t it?

[Stephanie Peacock]

I reiterate that we really value the charity sector, but we have had to make some very difficult decisions.

[Jonathan Hinder (Pendle and Clitheroe) (Lab)]

9. What discussions she has had with sports governing bodies on ensuring that they are compliant with the Supreme Court judgment in the case of For Women Scotland v. The Scottish Ministers.

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[Jessica Toale (Bournemouth West) (Lab)]

10. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of dormant assets funding on access to sport for young people in Bournemouth.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)]

The Government recently published their first ever dormant assets strategy, setting out how £440 million will be distributed in England. Some £132.5 million will increase disadvantaged young people’s access to enrichment opportunities in the arts, culture, sport and wider youth services.

[Jessica Toale]

The Henry Brown centre in West Howe, in my Bournemouth West constituency, runs a range of activities for the community, including the Changes Are Made boxing club, which provides positive sport activities for local young people and aims to raise awareness about the dangers of knife crime. Like many community centres and clubs, it would like to expand but struggles to find the funds to do so. Will the Minister tell me how CAM and the Henry Brown centre can access the dormant asset funds to expand the amazing work that they are doing in the local area?

[Stephanie Peacock]

The Government will work with the National Lottery Community Fund to decide on the specific programmes, and we will outline how that funding will be allocated shortly. I pay tribute to the organisations in my hon. Friend’s constituency for their work and activities, and I would happily meet her to discuss the issue further.

[Lewis Atkinson (Sunderland Central) (Lab)]

11. What recent progress her Department has made on delivering the creative industries sector plan.

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[Mr Richard Quigley (Isle of Wight West) (Lab)]

T2. While it could be said that the Conservative party could fit into a children’s paddling pool, we in Isle of Wight West take swimming—as well as our issue with ferries—very seriously. [Laughter.] I thought hon. Members would like that one. West Wight sports and community centre is an excellent community-run facility that needs to replace its swimming pool after 50 years. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how it might access grants to do so?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)]

My hon. Friend is a good champion for his constituency. The Government recognise that sports facilities, including swimming facilities, are incredibly important, and I would be delighted to meet him to discuss it further.

[Liz Jarvis (Eastleigh) (LD)]

T3. My constituency is the home of Hampshire Cricket. Last Thursday, I visited Fair Oak cricket club, which has a fantastic new pavilion and a thriving community of players, coaches and volunteers who are passionate about growing the game. In April 2024, the previous Government announced a £35 million investment in grassroots cricket facilities and widening access to the sport within state schools. Can the Minister confirm when the Government plan to release that funding to ensure that girls and boys in all parts of Eastleigh and across the country have the opportunity to become the next Lauren Bell or Joe Root?

[Stephanie Peacock]

I look forward to attending the cricket at Edgbaston later today, and I know it is hugely important to communities up and down the country. I would be delighted to meet the hon. Member to discuss her question in more detail.

[John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)]

Will the Minister join me in praising all the staff past and present, the council’s chief officer for leisure and wellbeing, Tom Kittendorf, and the portfolio holder, Councillor Maggie O’Rourke, on the recent 25th anniversary of the Rugby art gallery and museum? I was glad to attend and pay tribute to staff for the huge contribution they make to the three C’s: creativity, culture and community. Does my right hon. Friend agree that municipally run institutions such as that are gems shining bright in our towns, and that this Government will do all they can to empower them?