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<p>We are aware that COVID-19 and related restrictions have severely impacted these
sectors and their supply chains. We continue to engage with stakeholders through the
Tourism Industry Council, the Festival and Outdoor Events Working Group and the Venues
Steering Group. These groups include representatives from leading sector organisations
and other experts to develop action plans for how we can best support the sector’s
safe reopening. Pilots will run as part of the Events Research Programme to examine
how such events can take place without the need for social distancing using other
mitigations such as testing.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The live events and festival
sectors have been eligible to access Government COVID-19 support. This includes various
government-backed loans, business grants, reduction in VAT and the extended furlough
and self-employed support schemes. The recently announced discretionary Local Restrictions
Support Grant and Additional Restrictions Grant provides local authorities with funds
to support businesses that meet the eligibility criteria. On 5th January the Chancellor
announced one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth
up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through to the Spring.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>These sectors have also benefited from the Cultural Recovery Fund
(CRF). Over £1 billion worth of funding has now been allocated across the UK, including
over £800 million to almost 3800 arts, culture and heritage organisations and sites
in England. Supply chain organisations were eligible for the CRF. They are recognised
as a critical part of the sector. An additional £300 million was announced at Budget
on 3 March for the CRF.</p><p><strong> </strong></p>
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