§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what has been the cost to public funds to date of the regional cultural consortiums; and if she will make a statement. [69]
§ Tessa Jowell[holding answer 15 June 2001]: The cost to date of the Regional Cultural Consortiums is as follows:
Expenditure £ 1999–20001 15,200 2000–01 210,796 2001–02 23,437 1 The Regional Cultural Consortiums went established in October 1999 2 Expenditure calculated to 22 June 2001 The Consortiums also receive support from my Department's staff based within the Government offices in the regions. The Regional Development Agencies and the various regional agencies have all been encouraged to help with funding and other means of support.
The Consortiums use their resources to support their strategic role in the regions and promote joint working with other regional partners in order to ensure that cultural and sporting interests make a significant contribution to economic development, regeneration and social inclusion in each region.