The DCMS has responded to media reports that the government intends to slash museums and galleries public grants if they don’t attract more lower-income visitors and ethnic minority groups.

A Department for Culture Media and Sport spokesperson has issued a statement explaining that, while DCMS visitor targets are set as part of a funding agreements, it would be “extremely unlikely” that grants would either be reduced or lost altogether were these targets not met.

The spokesperson said: “The government is determined to increase the numbers and types of visitors to our museums and galleries and we are pleased with the success of this initiative so far.”