Written Question·Treasury·UIN 113674

Arts: Basic Income

Tabled: 20 February 2026

Answered: 2 March 2026

Question

Vicky Foxcroft

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made any assessment of the potential merits of introducing a basic income for people working in the arts, similar to the Basic Income for the Arts recently introduced in Ireland.

Answer

James Murray

The government recognises the important role of supporting the arts. This support is primarily delivered through Arts Council England, which invests over £440 million annually, supporting the creation and promotion of new artistic work and talent.