Margaret Hodge

Margaret Hodge is a Labour peer in the UK. She is newsworthy due to her recent scrutiny of Arts Council England (ACE). Hodge led a wide-ranging and critical report into ACE, expressing concerns about its ability to respond to the challenges facing the culture sector. She reiterated these concerns at a Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee, warning of a "disaster" if ACE leaders fail to heed her recommendations for a "radical" overhaul. Her comments are significant as the government considers long-term funding options for the struggling arts sector, including potentially charging international tourists for access to national museum collections. This comes amid broader discussions about the future of arts funding and the role of ACE in supporting the cultural landscape.