Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the social and economic value generated by dance participation, including potential savings to health and social care services.

The Government recognises that participation in culture and the arts, including dance, generates substantial social and economic value. Dance is a vital part of the cultural ecology, contributing to improved physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection, which collectively help to alleviate pressures on health and social care services.

Government commissioned research by Frontier Economics, published in November 2024 estimates that regular adult cultural participation provides benefits of £992 per person and £18.6 billion annually in societal benefits. One of the models relating to extra-curricular activities for children (which includes dance) estimates society-wide benefits totalling £230m per year. Participatory arts support prevention, reduce health service demand, and improve productivity and quality of life.

Additionally, ‘The Social Value of Movement and Dance’ report estimates that dance and movement participation generates £3.5 billion in annual social value in the UK. By improving physical health, mental wellbeing and social connectedness, this saves health services approximately £430 million annually by reducing service demand. The report highlights wider economic benefits, including increased productivity, reduced loneliness and stronger community cohesion.