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Spending on culture, Welsh language and sport will top £150million for the first time by 2007, under plans outlined in the draft budget this week. Reflecting the Assembly Government’s drive to improve health and well-being in Wales, the sports budget will more than double from £10.5million in 2004-05 to £22.7million in 2007-08. This will be used to encourage widespread participation in sport and physical activity. The Culture Fund, which covers the programme costs of the Arts Council, Sports Council and Welsh Language Board, will benefit from an additional £35million over the next three years. An extra £3million in capital grant is going to the National Museums and Galleries of Wales to support essential maintenance work on its estate of listed buildings. Culture, Welsh Language and Sport Minister Alun Pugh said: "This is a remarkable increase – when I became Minister last year, the budget stood at under £100million. This new funding will help us achieve a more active, healthier nation, and continue our investment in culture and the Welsh language." Commitments over the next three years include: A substantial multi-million pound investment in sport and active recreation through the Assembly Government’s strategy Climbing Higher. Specific details of the "Climbing Higher Fund" will be announced when the final document is published before Christmas. £1.1m for ICT developments in the Library sector focussed on producing a modernised system for managing the National Library’s collections and digital materials. Funding to extend free swimming for children and young people during the school holidays, as well as free swimming for older people, which will be launched next month. Investing an additional £28 million in the Welsh language between 2003-2006. Extending access to local museums and archives across Wales. |
| wales assembly government web site: www.wales.gov.uk/servlet/PressReleaseByDateServlet?area_code=37E752F2000942E000000A2E00000000&document_code=N0000000000000000000000000024627 |
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Wednesday, October 13, 2004 |
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