Writing to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden Ruth Cadbury MP has warned that very many of her constituent’s jobs, as well as arts venues across West London’s culture sector faces huge challenges and an uncertain future without the prospect of Government support.
In a letter that raises a number of issues facing the sector, including the difficulty workers have had in accessing the Governments financial support schemes, Ruth has urged the Government to take urgent action to support the sector and to provide a tailored package of support.
Speaking afterwards Ruth said,
‘‘Whether it’s our wonderful Waterman’s Arts Centre, the live music played in schools, pubs and community centres or the growing digital sector I know how important a role our creative sector plays locally. Furthermore, many thousands of constituents work in our world-famous arts, theatre, TV and film industries.
I’ve had hundreds of local residents get in touch with me about this who are rightly worried about the uncertainty facing both them and the cultural sector in the future because the coronavirus.
A report released this week showed just how serious these challenges are; with 400,000 jobs across the UK at risk, including 100,000 here in London.
That’s why it’s vital that the Government step up and not only provide tailored support for the sector, but also that they fix the existing support programs as many people working across the sector have not been able to get support from the Government.’’