Sacha Lord has resigned as Greater Manchester's night-time economy adviser following the Arts Council's decision to withdraw a £401,000 grant awarded to his former company, Primary Event Solutions. The Arts Council launched an investigation into the grant application after concerns were raised about potential inaccuracies. Lord maintains that there was no intention to mislead and that he made no personal gain from the grant.
Andy Burnham ‘accepted Sacha Lord ’s resignation last night’ from his role as the mayor’s night-time economy adviser.
The ‘additional checks’ have now concluded and a spokesperson said: “Following a thorough review of the application that Primary Event Solutions submitted to the Culture Recovery Fund in 2021, our decision is to withdraw the grant that was awarded and we are seeking to recover this money.” “The emotional toll and experience over recent months has given me the opportunity to reflect and gradually step back from my role in Greater Manchester,” it said. “With heartfelt thanks to the mayor and his team, I have decided to continue in this direction and embrace a new chapter ahead – championing the sector on a national level with fresh focus and energy.”
“Sacha has accepted there were inaccuracies in a grant application, and I believe him when he says there was no intention to mislead and that he made no personal gain from the grant. Given that the Arts Council’s Counter Fraud team previously found no misuse of public money, it is not clear to me why the Arts Council has now reached this decision.
“The company and its former directors have continued to work closely with Arts Council England to evidence that grant funds were used appropriately to support staff wages and company stability during the pandemic. United We Stream, for example, was a hugely successful event which raised £583,000 to support cultural organisations, businesses and individuals affected by lockdown. Supporting such businesses has always been my only mission in my various, unpaid roles.
Sacha Lord Andy Burnham Arts Council Grant Withdrawal Night-Time Economy
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Greater Manchester Police issue warning over Manchester United vs RangersThe force said the city centre is set to be 'exceptionally busy'
Read more »
Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards Reveal the Best in Greater ManchesterThe Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards celebrated the region's exceptional hospitality industry, crowning 18 winners across various categories. From best restaurants and bars to outstanding chefs and neighbourhoods, the awards recognized the culinary excellence of Greater Manchester.
Read more »
Sacha Lord steps back from Andy Burnham's team after £400k grant withdrawnThe Arts Council has withdrawn its £400k grant to one of Sacha Lord's companies
Read more »
Arts Council Revokes £400k Covid Grant Awarded to Sacha Lord's CompanyThe Arts Council has withdrawn a Covid grant worth over £400,000 awarded to Primary Event Solutions, a company formerly owned and directed by Sacha Lord. The Arts Council is seeking to recover the funds following a review of the application submitted in 2021. Lord, known for his involvement in events like Parklife and The Warehouse Project, maintains the funds were used appropriately to support staff and company stability during the pandemic.
Read more »
Manchester Airport Closes Runways Due to Sudden Heavy SnowfallUnexpected snowfall forces Manchester Airport to close runways, causing widespread disruption in Greater Manchester.
Read more »
Greater Manchester Councils Miss Out on £600 Million Recovery GrantTwo Greater Manchester councils, Stockport and Trafford, have been excluded from a £600 million government funding scheme designed to support areas with greater need and demand for services. Despite facing significant financial challenges and serving communities with high levels of deprivation, the councils received no share of the Recovery Grant, which was allocated based on deprivation levels and council tax income.
Read more »