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<p>The Government is aware of this important issue and DCMS is exploring options,
including legislation, for how we may be able to prevent the dispersal, and therefore
potential loss of these collections. One option is considering whether the Corporate
Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 can be used as a means of saving museum collections
in the event of insolvency.</p><p>Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis officials
and ministers have been in even more regular contact with museums and sector organisations
to understand the impact of the pandemic, the measures the Government has taken to
fight it and to understand what support museums and heritage organisations need and
how best to get it to them. On 5th July, the Government announced a £1.57 billion
support package to protect Britain’s world-class cultural, arts and heritage institutions.
In addition, DCMS arms’ length bodies have created sector specific support. Arts Council
England launched a £160 million Emergency Funding Package, the National Lottery Heritage
Fund launched the £50 million Heritage Emergency Fund, and Historic England launched
a £2 million Emergency Fund. This emergency short-term funding will help address pressures
over the next 3-6 months for those organisations most in immediate need.</p><p>The
Government has also announced unprecedented support for business and workers, to protect
them against the current economic emergency. This includes the Coronavirus Jobs Retention
Scheme and VAT payment deferrals. We know that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme,
in particular, has been a lifeline for the museum sector. The Government continues
to monitor the impact of these and other measures.</p><p><strong><strong></strong><br></strong></p>
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