A record number of National Treasures accepted for the public this Christmas A Church Interior by Hendrik van Steenwijck the Younger. Photo Courtesy of Sothebys. LONDON .-The Arts Council has today, 21 December 2020, published the 2019/20 Cultural Gifts Scheme and Acceptance in Lieu Annual Report, revealing that objects worth nearly £65 million, settling tax of £40 million, were accepted for the nation. In a record-breaking year for the Government schemes, the number of cases reported was also the highest ever. Acceptance in Lieu plays a significant role in developing collections and has proved highly effective in securing important new acquisitions for national and regional collections. Its sister scheme, the Cultural Gifts Scheme, is also attracting donors and enriching the UKs cultural heritage. This years report shows the valuable role they both play in enabling public collections to acquire important cultural property, particularly at a time when organisations are facing extraordinary challenges with budgets and the acquisition landscape affected due to the impact of Covid-19.