Robertson must deliver on culture funding promises in Budget, says Labour

The upcoming Scottish Budget must clarify promises of £25 million in funding for the culture sector, Labour has said.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has previously pledged to increase investment by £100 million a year by 2028-29, with an additional £25 million expected to be provided in 2025-26.

However he has said clarity is needed from the UK Government on its spending plans before he can confirm this.

Labour also called on the SNP to help grassroots music venues by cutting business rates relief.

Neil Bibby, Scottish Labour’s culture spokesman, said: “Failed magician Angus Robertson continually promises money that never appears, leaving creatives facing uncertainty and treasured organisations in peril.

“Meanwhile, the grassroots music venues that helped shape some of Scotland’s biggest stars are expected to shoulder higher business rates than their equivalents in England.

“Angus Robertson must clarify whether he can deliver on the £25 million he has promised, while following Labour’s lead in cutting business rates for hospitality and leisure venues.

“The SNP must end the culture funding crisis by providing a predictable and sustainable funding commitment to our brilliant creatives and leave the drama up to the professionals.”

Mark Davyd, chief executive of the Music Venue Trust, said: “The Westminster Government has committed to a permanently lower rate of business rates to help high streets from 2026-27 – Scottish grassroots music venues deserve to be operating on a level playing field.

“We urge the Scottish Government to provide business relief to Scottish grassroots music venues so that they can support emerging artists for decades to come.”

Mr Robertson said: “I’m hugely grateful for the encouragement from across the culture sector for increased support, which the Scottish Government has already begun to deliver.

“This year we’ve provided the first step towards our goal of increasing funding by £100 million annually by 2028/29.

“However, we are doing this against the backdrop of the new UK Government actually cutting funding for culture.

“Details for 2025/26 will be published as part of the Scottish Government draft Budget that is being presented this week.”