The cultural sector in Redditch has received a multi-million-pound boost from the Chancellor in his latest Budget. 

A total of £5 million has been awarded to support arts and culture in the town which could be used to increase investment in the Palace Theatre, community arts and crafts and pop-up galleries in the area. 

Redditch Borough Council are set to be provisionally awarded the money with the investment ensuring areas that have previously been prioritised for Levelling Up Funding benefit. 

MP for Redditch and the Villages, Rachel Maclean, said: "This is fantastic news for Redditch. Arts and culture are embedded into the fabric of Redditch celebrating the town's rich industrial heritage. 

"Today's announcement of £5 million will allow creativity to flourish in the town, boost the local economy and demonstrate that levelling up really does benefit all parts of the county." 

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also announced a number of measures to support household incomes including a reduction in National Insurance payments, a rise in the child benefit threshold to £60,000 and increasing the level for when self-employed people start to pay VAT to £90,000. 

There is also set to be a freeze in fuel and alcohol duty in the aim of supporting the hospitality sector.