Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the closure of arts-based courses at universities and colleges on the culture and economy of towns and cities.

​​Arts-based courses are an important part of the creative sector’s contribution to society and the economy.

​Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) are designed to ensure training provision meets local labour market needs. We have placed stronger expectations on higher education (HE) providers, through statutory guidance, to actively engage with LSIPs and consider them when shaping their course offer, supporting local economic growth.

​For this academic year, strategic priorities grant recurrent (programme) funding allocation for world-leading small and specialist providers is being maintained at £57.4 million. This is in line with the government’s priorities to maximise growth and opportunity for students, HE providers and the economy. For performing and creative arts courses at all approved (fee cap) providers, the per student funding rate for eligible courses is being maintained at £130.54 for this academic year.