§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the method and formula used to determine funding for the regional arts councils. [63984]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe Arts Council expects the Regional Arts Boards to receive average increases in funding of 19 per cent. in 1999–2000, 11 per cent. in 2000–01 and 4 per cent. in 2001–02 in total. The Arts Council will fully fund the Regional Arts Board for each arts organisation that is delegated to them. They will also receive an element of flexible funding which will be related to factors such as deprivation, as well as population.