Every parliamentary written question tabled by Blake Stephenson this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 41–54 of 54 · Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of putting the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on a permanent footing.
As was the case with previous Governments, spending commitments are a matter for the Spending Review.
Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies on tourism of the loss of over 100,000 visitors per year highlighted in the Impact Assessment of the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Order (Amendment) 2025.
The government is committed to the tourism sector maintaining its competitiveness. VisitBritain launched its latest ‘Starring Great Britain’ campaign in January, which will harness the powerful draw of Film and TV to drive inbound tourism from the UK’s largest and most valuable visitor markets, including Australia, the Gulf Co-operation Council countries, France, Germany and the USA. DCMS also works closely with the Home Office on visa-related matters, such as this amendment. While visa fees are a matter for the Home Office, DCMS collaborates with departments across Whitehall, including the Home Office and HM Treasury, to ensure a joined up approach to the visitor economy and monitor the impact of their policies on the tourism sector.
Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 31 January 2025 to Question 26152, what discussions her Department has had with the Treasury on the up to £734.7m impact on the UK economy described at Paragraph 63 of the Impact Assessment on the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Order (Amendment) 2025.
The government is committed to the tourism sector maintaining its competitiveness. VisitBritain launched its latest ‘Starring Great Britain’ campaign in January, which will harness the powerful draw of Film and TV to drive inbound tourism from the UK’s largest and most valuable visitor markets, including Australia, the Gulf Co-operation Council countries, France, Germany and the USA. DCMS also works closely with the Home Office on visa-related matters, such as this amendment. While visa fees are a matter for the Home Office, DCMS collaborates with departments across Whitehall, including the Home Office and HM Treasury, to ensure a joined up approach to the visitor economy and monitor the impact of their policies on the tourism sector.
Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of funding provided to local authorities to promote tourism.
I note that the honourable member is asking us to spend more money and would be grateful if they could advise me on which other budget should be cut or tax should be commensurately increased. Government recognises the vital role that local authorities play in supporting the Visitor Economy and showcasing the unique assets of their areas. Through DCMS’ Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) programme - that is being rolled out across England to transform the landscape of destination management organisations, and the two Destination Development pilots - Local Authorities are being provided with strong local and regional leadership and governance, enabling them to develop their visitor economies in their respective destinations. VisitBritain has also launched a new international marketing campaign this year - Starring Great Britain - to ensure that tourism remains a key driver of economic growth across the country.
Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with Secretary of State for the Home department on the potential impact of increasing the cost of electronic travel authorisations on her Department’s ambition to grow inbound tourism to 50 million visitors per year.
DCMS closely monitors factors that may influence inbound tourism, including the cost of electronic travel authorisations (ETAs). We recognise the importance of balancing secure and efficient border processes with the need to remain competitive as a global tourism destination.DCMS continues to engage with the Home Office to ensure that any changes to the cost of ETAs are proportionate and informed by robust evidence on their potential impact on tourism. Supporting the UK's tourism industry remains a priority, and we will continue to review any challenges to its growth.
Media and Sport, if she will make an estimate of the number of inbound tourism visitors in 2025/26 if electronic travel authorisations cost (a) £10 and (b) £16.
DCMS closely monitors factors that may influence inbound tourism, including the cost of electronic travel authorisations (ETAs). We recognise the importance of balancing secure and efficient border processes with the need to remain competitive as a global tourism destination.DCMS continues to engage with the Home Office to ensure that any changes to the cost of ETAs are proportionate and informed by robust evidence on their potential impact on tourism. Supporting the UK's tourism industry remains a priority, and we will continue to review any challenges to its growth.
Media and Sport, if she will make a comparative assessment of the cost of tourism visas in (a) the UK and (b) international competitors.
DCMS closely monitors factors that may influence inbound tourism, including the cost of electronic travel authorisations (ETAs). We recognise the importance of balancing secure and efficient border processes with the need to remain competitive as a global tourism destination.DCMS continues to engage with the Home Office to ensure that any changes to the cost of ETAs are proportionate and informed by robust evidence on their potential impact on tourism. Supporting the UK's tourism industry remains a priority, and we will continue to review any challenges to its growth.
Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of increasing the cost of electronic travel authorisations on inbound tourism.
DCMS closely monitors factors that may influence inbound tourism, including the cost of electronic travel authorisations (ETAs). We recognise the importance of balancing secure and efficient border processes with the need to remain competitive as a global tourism destination.DCMS continues to engage with the Home Office to ensure that any changes to the cost of ETAs are proportionate and informed by robust evidence on their potential impact on tourism. Supporting the UK's tourism industry remains a priority, and we will continue to review any challenges to its growth.
Media and Sport, if she will make an estimate of the contribution of inbound tourism to the public purse.
Inbound tourism makes a significant contribution to the public purse. According to the latest available data from VisitBritain and the International Passenger Survey (IPS), inbound visitors spent a record £31.1bn during 2023; supporting jobs and businesses across the UK, and contributing to tax revenues through VAT, Air Passenger Duty, and other sources.DCMS continues to work closely with HM Treasury and the tourism sector to maximise the economic benefits of inbound tourism, including through VisitBritain’s international marketing campaigns and initiatives to enhance the visitor experience. These efforts play a vital role in driving economic growth, supporting public finances, and ensuring the UK remains a top global destination.
Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the owners of Scheduled Monuments on their potential role in British tourism.
Scheduled Monuments are extremely diverse and range from the 17th century Houghton House, which is managed by English Heritage, to Metchley Roman fort in Birmingham, much of which lies on private land. The Secretary of State regularly engages with heritage organisations to discuss their role in British tourism. These discussions highlight the contribution of a wide range of heritage assets, including scheduled monuments, to the Visitor Economy, focusing on sustainable use, preservation, access, and promotion. The Government recognises the importance of heritage in showcasing the UK’s culture and works closely with stakeholders to support sustainable tourism initiatives that enhance visitor experiences while protecting these culturally significant sites for future generations.
Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential contribution of Scheduled Monuments to the tourism industry.
We have made no such formal assessment, but many of the nearly 20,000 Scheduled Monuments in England, including Stonehenge, Appleby Castle and Barnard Castle, as well as those in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are important visitor attractions. We remain committed to promoting heritage to drive sustainable growth, foster cultural engagement, and ensure it remains accessible for future generations.
Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of a transient visitor levy on the UK visitor economy.
Tax policy is a matter for HM Treasury and there are no plans to introduce a visitor levy in England. Levies either have been or are being introduced in Scotland, Wales and some English cities and DCMS continues to monitor their impact on the visitor economy.
Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential impact of a transient visitor levy on UK tourism.
Tax policy is a matter for HM Treasury and there are no plans to introduce a visitor levy in England. Levies either have been or are being introduced in Scotland, Wales and some English cities and DCMS continues to monitor their impact on the visitor economy.
Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of future opportunities to grow the tourism industry in Bedfordshire.
Tourism is a significant driver of economic growth and employment and the government is committed to growing this sector and enabling more inbound and domestic visitors to experience the full diversity of the UK tourism sector across the country. Bedfordshire boasts attractions such as The Panacea Museum, and welcomes 273,000 visits with a spend of £108 million according to the latest estimates. The Government is committed to ensuring that it remains attractive to inbound and domestic visitors across its towns and rural areas.