Commenting on the Government’s response to the Independent Review of Arts Council England, Society of London Theatre (SOLT) & UK Theatre Co-CEO Hannah Essex said:
“We welcome the Government’s response to Baroness Hodge’s review, particularly its reaffirmation that Arts Council England’s independence is essential for a thriving arts sector.
“Investment in giving voice to people in local communities is welcome, but that must sit alongside an Arts Council that has strategic oversight of provision across the country. The theatre sector is an ecology that collaborates across local, and indeed national, borders. The arm’s length principle, which allows the Arts Council to make decisions that nurture and sustain this ecology, free from political interference, is essential.
“We strongly support the principle that people in every part of the country should be able to access culture. If touring is to reach more places sustainably, that ambition must be matched by further action including a strengthening of Theatre Tax Relief for touring productions so that more communities, including smaller towns, can benefit from high-quality theatre. Arts Council England’s Incentivising Touring programme has played an important role in supporting the touring ecosystem, and we hope to see it continue and grow.
“We welcome the commitment to simplify funding applications, invest in Arts Council England’s digital systems, and avoid further delays to funding rounds. These are practical changes that could make a real difference to organisations navigating an increasingly pressured funding environment.
“Theatre remains hugely popular, but its financial model is under growing strain. Our Theatre in the UK 2026 report found that 36% of theatre organisations are forecasting an operating deficit this year, rising to 51% in the subsidised sector.
“The opportunity now is to ensure these reforms to the Arts Council are supported by the sustained public investment needed to build a more resilient, accessible, and nationally representative cultural sector. SOLT & UK Theatre, and our members, look forward to working with Government and Arts Council England to further explore and develop Baroness Hodge’s recommendations to strengthen our world-leading culture sector and enable it to contribute fully to the UK’s creative and economic life.”
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