Leading Adviser Calls for Funding to be allocated across the National UK Creative Industries

A leading adviser to the creative industries has welcomed the Government’s latest package of support for the sector, but voiced concerns about the lack of detail.

The comments by Laura Harper, a partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell, follows the government’s announcement that it will support the Arts with a £1.57bn package of ‘new cash’.

The announcement followed several weeks of lobbying from theatres, music venues, art galleries and other cultural institutions - many of which said they were close to collapse as a result of coronavirus lockdown measures. 

Oliver Dowden, the Culture secretary, announced the additional money and said it aims to preserve national galleries and landmark venues like the Royal Albert Hall, while also helping local institutions across the UK.

Although Laura supports the Government’s move, she has questioned how the money will be apportioned across the UK and how it will be allocated across each of the sub sectors.

Laura, a specialist advisor to the creative industries and media & entertainment sector lead at Irwin Mitchell, said: 

Expert Opinion

“The government’s package of support is of course welcome and has been well received but we need more detail in relation to where and how the money will be spent.

“My concern is that the majority of the funding could be allocated to London and that consequently the regions could be left without.”
Laura Harper - Partner