(Cardiff West) (Lab): What further steps he will take
to support people in the creative industries who are unable to
return to work as a result of covid-19 restrictions.
The Minister for Digital and Culture (): I recognise the huge contribution that the
creative industries make both to the UK’s international
reputation and to our economy, contributing over £100 billion in
gross value added. The Government have provided unprecedented
support to employees and businesses through the furlough scheme
and the £1.57 billion cultural recovery fund, and we will
continue to do all we can to provide support and get the sector
back up and running.
: I am afraid that what has been trailed by the
Treasury in the media today will not do anything to help those in
the creative industries who cannot work because of covid
restrictions, whether in music venues, comedy clubs or theatres,
or any of the freelance workers in the sector who already receive
no help at all, as we saw from the Musicians
Union survey this week. When will the help that has
already been promised in the package the Minister mentioned
actually arrive for people in the sector, and will the new scheme
be targeted to supply life support to our genuinely world-beating
creative industries?
: The Government’s world-class support package has
included the self-employed income support scheme, and about two
thirds of our sector have been covered by that. Then, of course,
there are the very generous extensions to universal credit as
well. However, we know that it is very distressing for those who
have fallen between the gaps. That is why Arts Council England
has made an additional £95 million of additional support
available for individuals who are affected.
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