Committee publication · Correspondence · 27 February 2026
Letter from the Chair to Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, regarding cultural infrastructure, 26 February 2026
From: Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Inquiry: The work of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Summary
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee Chair writes to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport regarding a Purcell report commissioned by the Department on England's cultural infrastructure repair and maintenance backlogs. The report identifies £7 billion in necessary works, with £3 billion urgent and a £2 billion funding deficit. The Chair seeks clarification on government acceptance of findings, allocation of the recently announced £1.5 billion five-year funding, coordination mechanisms, and action on skills and capacity gaps in the cultural sector.
Key findings
- Purcell report estimates total repair and maintenance needs at £7 billion, with £3 billion classified as urgent works and approximately £2 billion funding shortfall
- Most cultural venues reviewed are assessed as having needs beyond routine repair, with substantial numbers in poor to very poor condition
- Government announced £1.5 billion funding over five years for cultural venues; Chair seeks clarification on how much addresses the report's identified issues
- Report identifies capacity gaps in cultural sector including lack of expertise in procurement, building management and maintenance practices
- Committee seeks government response by 23 March and requests ongoing updates on developments
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Lisa Nandy MP, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Purcell, Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Notable line
“We cannot allow them to deteriorate to the point where they can no longer be used.”
Key Quotes
“The report sets out a concerning assessment of the state of cultural buildings in England. It finds that most cultural venues within the scope of the review have needs that go beyond routine repair, maintenance and renewal, with a substantial number in conditions assessed as ranging from poor to very poor.”
“The financial implications of this research are particularly stark. It estimates that the total value of necessary works is around £7 billion, with urgent works estimated to cost around £3 billion.”
“The buildings covered by this report are vital to the effective provision of grassroots arts and culture across the country.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗