Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced a £1.57billion package to support the arts, culture and heritage industries. The UK’s heritage organisations and attractions are facing huge challenges due to temporary closure, a loss of income and a reduction in staff and volunteers during the COVID-19 crisis.

Ros Kerslake said: “We warmly welcome this outstanding rescue package for heritage and culture. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has worked hard with partners in the sector to provide the evidence that DCMS needed to secure this important support from the Treasury. We look forward to working with others to ensure the future of heritage in the face of unprecedented challenges from COVID-19.

"The National Lottery Heritage Fund has worked hard with partners in the sector to provide the evidence that DCMS needed to secure this important support from the Treasury."

“It’s clear that the economic impact of the virus will be severe, with huge consequences for jobs, local places and communities. In addition to this funding, The National Lottery is playing a critical role and we are continuing to support organisations through our £50million Heritage Emergency Fund.

“Heritage is vitally important in making communities better places to live, creating economic prosperity and supporting personal wellbeing – it is essential we do everything we can to support it so it can continue to play this role.”

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been supporting heritage organisations across the UK through its £50m Heritage Emergency Fund, with grants of £3,000-£250,000 for immediate support, reopening and recovery costs.

The Government will set out further details of its support package when it opens for applications in the coming weeks.

Read more on the support package on GOV.UK.