Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 49
49
Deferred
Independent cinemas require ongoing organisational and capital funding for their vital cultural roles
Recommendation
Independent cinemas need and deserve organisational and capital funding to continue to perform their vital cultural roles in the heart of communities. Without it, there is a risk that the Culture Recovery Fund’s investment in independent cinemas will have been for nothing. However, supporting this part of the sector should not divert money from commercial cinemas, which serve a cultural function of their own and are also under significant pressures. (Conclusion, Paragraph 177)
Government Response Summary
The government states it is actively considering the recommendation and highlights that broader programmes like the Plan for Neighbourhoods offer £1.5 billion to towns, which *could* be used to support local cultural offerings, including cinemas.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We recognise the hugely important role that cinemas play; we know that a local cinema can be an anchor for a high street, bringing together communities and supporting regeneration. We are actively considering this recommendation and what we can do to further recognise the importance of cinemas within their local area. Broader government programmes not directly targeted at cinemas or the wider film and HETV sector also have the potential to deliver benefits for this industry. For example, the Plan for Neighbourhoods will provide £1.5 billion to 75 towns across the four corners of the UK over ten years – and places will be able to use their £20 million to enrich their cultural and media offering. To give a sense of the breadth of spend, places could, for example: support with skills provision, equipment, and facilities tailored for local opportunities, including for TV or film production; provide business support for local/small TV or film production companies; use their funds to put on film screenings; support locally led music and theatre performances; and refurbish, restore, or develop cultural and heritage assets, including local cinemas.