Government facing judicial review challenge over refusal of support from Cultural Recovery Fund

The High Court has granted permission for a judicial review challenge over the refusal to provide a business with support from the Cultural Recovery Fund.

In July 2020, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports announced the £1.57 billion fund, which is aimed at supporting the cultural sector through the pandemic.

The judicial review is being brought against the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The Secretary of State, Nadine Dorries MP,  gave the responsibility of allocating the funding to the Arts Council. To date the council has announced £751 million of investment through the Fund.

Get Real Marketing Company Limited, a marketing agency specialising in advertising aimed at students, is bringing the challenge over the refusal to provide funding.

Sam Karim QC of Kings Chambers, instructed by Lawrence Abramson of Keystone Law, is acting for the claimant.

The DCMS has declined to comment