Regional Policy
A Regional Cultural Consortium has been established by DCMS in each of the English regions outside London, led by strong local Chairs, and DCMS staff have been appointed to each of the regional Government Offices to improve liaison between the central department and our regional partners and interests. Ministers and senior officials are undertaking more regional visits around the country to highlight the DCMS regional dimension.
The Regional Cultural Consortiums bring together representatives from regional agencies working in the arts, heritage, museums, tourism, libraries, sport and archives, and from local government, as well as others including individuals from the creative industries.
The Consortiums are charged with drawing up a strategy that sets out the future of culture in their region. They provide a strong voice for culture in the region and encourage a 'joined-up' approach to the delivery of regional cultural services. They also work closely with the Regional Development Agencies.
The London Cultural Consortium, appointed by the Mayor, has a similar role to the Department's eight consortiums. The Mayor for London has a major role in promoting tourism and takes over responsibility for Trafalgar and Parliament Squares.
Following devolution to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the devolved administrations have responsibility for many cultural matters in those parts of the UK. These include: the arts, heritage, libraries, museums, sport and tourism. DCMS retains responsibility for these matters in England and also has UK-wide responsibility for some matters, including broadcasting and the National Lottery.
DCMS works closely with the devolved administration, sharing information and ideas on those matters which have been transferred to them and consulting them on UK-wide matters for which DCMS has responsibility.
UK Departments are required to agree and publish Concordats with each of the devolved administrations, setting out how they will work together. DCMS has agreed and published Concordats with the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales. A Concordat with the Northern Ireland Executive is currently under discussion.
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