HARROGATE THEATRE AND ARTS COUNCIL FUNDING

That this House condemns the decision made by Arts Council England to substantially cut the annual grant to Harrogate Theatre from £400,000 to £100,000; is disappointed that the decision was made over the Christmas holiday period and without meaningful consultation or negotiation; applauds the recent refurbishment and re-opening of Harrogate Theatre after the successful rejuvenation of the theatre's financial standing; notes that the reduction in Arts Council funding will result in a total loss of production capacity, thereby ending the theatre's touring productions aimed at reaching out to those rural communities who have no alternative access to the arts; further notes that the educational output of the theatre will cease entirely, with a massive impact on local young people's enjoyment of the arts; and therefore calls upon Arts Council England to overturn its decision and to consider funding levels that allow the theatre to deliver the work that is in demand from the people of North Yorkshire.