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

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government’s Covid-19 guidance for Performing arts and non-professional activities updated on 18 May 2021, what assessment his Department has made of the financial impact of six-person capacity limits for non-professional singing indoors on music directors who facilitate those groups.

I know that the restrictions on singing are frustrating to large numbers of amateur choirs and performance groups across the country, including music directors, and that many people have made sacrifices in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS over the last year. I can assure you that everyone across the government wants to ease these restrictions as soon as possible.

Last year, the government announced the unprecedented £1.57 billion support package for the culture sector which is now reaching organisations and individuals across the country. This funding is supporting the arts and culture sector to survive the pandemic and continue operating. To date, over £1.2 billion has now been allocated to over 5000 organisations and sites across the country. Many working in the sector also continue to benefit from the significant cross-economy package of support that has been made available throughout this pandemic, including the generous employment schemes, grants, loans, and business rates relief.

We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.