§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what has been the cost to public funds of the regional cultural consortiums to date; and what is their forecast expenditure. [153430]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 12 March 2001]: The cost and future allocations for each consortium are as follows:
£ Expenditure1 1999–20002 1,900 2000–01 327,070 Allocations 2001–02 50,000 2002–03 125,000 2003–04 62,500 1 Figures given are averages. 2 The Regional Cultural Consortiums were established in October 1999. 3 Expenditure calculated to 12 March 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 will use these 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 their region.