London-UK Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill has welcomed the government’s newly announced £1.5 billion investment in cultural organisations, describing it as a significant boost for communities, creativity, and the preservation of Britain’s shared heritage. The announcement was made this week by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, outlining a five-year funding plan aimed at protecting and restoring more than 1,000 arts venues, museums, libraries, and heritage buildings across the country.
The funding package is designed to tackle urgent capital needs while ensuring that local heritage sites are preserved for future generations. A key focus of the investment is to expand access to culture by supporting no-cost or low-cost cultural experiences, particularly for families and young people, at a time when many households are facing financial pressures.
Under the plan, £760 million has been allocated to museums to help safeguard collections, modernise facilities, and improve public access. A further £425 million will be delivered through the Creative Foundations Fund, which is expected to support around 300 capital projects in arts venues nationwide, strengthening local creative infrastructure and supporting jobs in the cultural sector.
Heritage protection also forms a major part of the package, with £230 million earmarked for preserving heritage buildings across the UK, including listed places of worship. In addition, £27.5 million will be invested through the Libraries Improvement Fund, enabling public libraries to upgrade buildings and technology so they can better meet changing community needs in the digital age.
The funding also includes £80 million in capital investment over four years for National Portfolio Organisations that receive regular funding from Arts Council England. This forms part of a planned 5% uplift next year, intended to help deliver arts and cultural activity in every local authority area.
Commenting on the announcement, Preet Kaur Gill MP highlighted the importance of culture as both a social and economic asset, noting that investment in arts, heritage, and libraries strengthens communities, supports local economies, and ensures that cultural spaces remain open and accessible to all. The funding, she said, represents a long-term commitment to protecting the UK’s cultural fabric while making it more inclusive and resilient for the future.