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

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with stakeholders on the future of Burlington House and enabling the Society of Antiquaries to remain in residence.

The Government recognises the cultural, scientific and heritage contributions of the Learned Societies of New Burlington House.

Burlington House is owned by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) as successor to the Office of Works. Officials from DCMS have, however, been working closely with DLUHC on this matter. Officials from both departments have recently met the Learned Societies and are working with them to identify the potential for a viable solution which will enable them to remain in their long-standing home. The Secretary of State met a representative from the Learned Societies in recent months, and a special adviser from her office has visited them in Burlington House.

We remain committed to finding a solution which provides value for money for the taxpayer and addresses the Societies’ challenges, while advancing their cultural and educational agenda so that their work continues to benefit as many people as possible.