Government Operations

Oflog Draft Corporate Plan 2024 to 2027 Consultation

Oflog has published its draft Corporate Plan for 2024 to 2027, outlining how it will deliver strategic objectives from its formal remit letter. The consultation invites views from the public and stakeholders on the proposed plan before the final version is published later in 2024. This is an administrative planning document that sets out Oflog's own operational priorities rather than imposing new regulatory obligations.

Closure of the Office for Local Government (Oflog)

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced the closure of the Office for Local Government (Oflog), effective 16 December 2024. The Minister for Local Government, Jim McMahon OBE MP, has issued a letter explaining the reasons for the closure and outlining the actions government will take in place of Oflog. The closure affects local government oversight and performance monitoring functions previously carried out by Oflog.

Minister's Letter on Oflog Review of Long-Term Role and Short-Term Remit

Jim McMahon OBE MP, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, has written to Oflog's Chief Executive confirming Oflog's current remit and outlining his intention to review the organisation's long-term role by the end of 2024. The letter sets out the current scope of Oflog's functions in monitoring local authority performance and financial data. The review will assess Oflog's future role and purpose as a public oversight body.

DLUHC Secretary Letter to Oflog Chief on Managing Without a Chair

The DLUHC Secretary of State, Rt. Hon. Michael Gove MP, wrote to Josh Goodman, Oflog Chief Executive, instructing him to continue acting with independence following Lord Morse's resignation as interim Chair due to unexpected health reasons. The Department will appoint a new interim Chair in due course. This letter is procedural governance correspondence relating to the transition period without a permanent Chair at the Office for Local Government.

Consultation on Draft Corporate Plan 2024 to 2027

Oflog published a consultation on its Draft Corporate Plan 2024 to 2027, seeking views on how it will deliver strategic objectives set out in the Secretary of State's remit letter. The consultation ran from 15 February 2024 to 14 March 2024 and is now closed while feedback is analyzed. Oflog will publish its final Corporate Plan later in 2024.

Museum and Galleries Monthly Visits Quarterly Release January to March 2026

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced the release of quarterly statistics on visits to DCMS-sponsored museums and galleries for January to March 2026, scheduled for 28 May 2026 at 9:30am. The announcement provides advance notice of the upcoming statistical publication but does not create any compliance obligations or regulatory requirements.

Regional GVA 2024 DCMS Sectors Statistical Release

DCMS has announced the release of official statistics estimating the contribution of DCMS sectors to each UK region measured by Gross Value Added (GVA). The provisional statistics will be published between August and September 2026. These accredited official statistics cover DCMS sector economic performance at the regional level across the UK.

Community and Engagement Survey: October to December 2026

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced the upcoming release of Community and Engagement Survey results for October to December 2026. The quarterly statistics will provide data on adult engagement with community activities, culture, media, and live sport across England. The publication is provisionally scheduled for March 2027.

UK Games Fund Opens with £28.5M for Video Game Developers

DCMS announced the UK Games Fund will provide £28.5 million in grants to video game developers across three funding tracks. Applications open 14 April 2026. Entry Track offers up to £20,000 for newly formed companies, Emergent Track up to £100,000 for prototyping, and Expansion Track up to £250,000 for market expansion. The fund represents a doubling of previous investment and is part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan.

130 Cultural Venues Receive £127.8M Funding Through Arts Everywhere Fund

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced £127.8 million in grants to 130 cultural venues, museums, and libraries across England through the Arts Everywhere Fund, administered by Arts Council England. The funding includes £96 million via the Creative Foundations Fund for 74 arts venues, £25.5 million via the Museum Estate and Development Fund for 28 museums, and £6.3 million via the Libraries Improvement Fund for 28 library services. Recipients include The Lowry Centre Trust (£8.5M), Theatre Royal Stratford East (£1.75M), and Black Country Living Museum (£454,159).