§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the evidence presented in the Arts Council of England's two consultation periods; and if she will make a statement. [23570]
§ Dr. HowellsFollowing the first consultation my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wanted to see proposals which created a dynamic new organisation; brought the regions into the heart of the funding system; delegated real decision making to regional level; set challenging targets for administrative savings; was simpler and more consistent for those applying for funding.
We are confident that the new proposals will deliver this.
The Secretary of State has just received a progress report following the second consultation exercise and will respond to the Arts Council in due course.