Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to (a) support the Live Comedy Association and (b) recognise the grassroots live comedy sector alongside the grassroots live music sector and (c) offer those working in live comedy the same support as people working in live music.

The government recognises the vital role of grassroots live comedy and is actively 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.

ACE delivered a dedicated funding information session to help comedy organisations and artists, including those working at grassroots level, access available funding.