Written questions by Brash.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on economic growth in the North East generated by the creative industries following the BBC’s recent announcement of a cut of £500m in its budget and 2,000 job losses.

The BBC is a vital national institution and an engine of the nations and regions, including the North East of England. In that context, this news is concerning for the BBC workforce who are facing significant uncertainty, and for the sector as a whole. The BBC is delivering significant savings, which requires difficult decisions to be made independent of the Government. The BBC have stated that there will be more information on their plans later this year. Looking ahead, the Charter Review aims to deliver a BBC that is sustainably funded in a way that sets the BBC on a path to thrive until well into the latter half of this century. The Charter Review will consider how the BBC can support the creative economy and drive growth across the UK.

Media and Sport, whether (a) tennis and (b) padel will have access to Government funding for (i) new and (ii) upgraded grassroots sport facilities.

The Government is determined to ensure that everyone has access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. That is why we have committed another £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the nation following the Spending Review.We will now work closely with sporting bodies - including the Lawn Tennis Association - and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans.The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through Sport England - which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. Sport England provides long term investment to the LTA, which receives up to £10.2 million for 5 years from 2022 to invest in tennis and padel initiatives that will benefit as many people as possible.

Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the contribution of youth services to the wellbeing of young people in Hartlepool constituency.

This Government cares about young people and champions the vital role that youth services play in improving the wellbeing of young people. We are working closely with the Home Office on the Young Futures Programme which prioritises prevention, including mental health. In Hartlepool, we have provided funding to youth clubs through the Youth Investment Fund, to give young people a safe space to go to. We also know that sport has public health benefits too which is why we have committed to investing £123 million in grassroots sport this year to ensure sport is open to everyone.