Laura Sharman 14 February 2022

Council reverses decision to scrap all arts funding

Council reverses decision to scrap all arts funding image
Image: Beach Creatives / Shutterstock.com

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has decided against plans to cut arts funding by 100% following a public consultation.

The council had proposed allocating none of its budget towards the arts but had been met by criticism from campaigners. Former prime minister Theresa May also joined calls urging councillors to ‘reconsider their position'.

Following consultation, the council amended its proposed budget to include arts funding of £115,000 for Norden Farm and £25,000 for the Old Court for 2022/23.

Cllr Andrew Johnson, leader of the council, said: 'Taking on board the community’s strength of feeling around arts funding, as well as the findings of our own consultant’s report and our constructive discussions with both organisations, we amended the proposed budget to maintain a council-funded public subsidy for arts in 2022/23.

'Such public feedback is critical because while the Royal Borough overall is an affluent area, we have among the very lowest Council Tax in England outside of London, which places financial pressure on budgets, especially with respect to areas of discretionary, non-statutory spend. There are also cost pressures in adults and children’s services.'

Research published earlier this month shows local authority expenditure on cultural services has fallen by 50% across England since 2009-2010.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

East Midlands Combined County Authority
£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recuriter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Lecturer in SEND

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 p.a. PAY AWARD PENDING
DurhamLearn wish to recruit a Lecturer in SEND – delivering Employment and Work Skills training in the classroom; applicants will have significant tea Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Business Analyst, Selby

North Yorkshire Council
£37,035 - £45,718 per annum
Are you passionate about making public services more effective and efficient? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Recovery Support Worker (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
£31,067.00 - £33,366.00 Grade 7, £34,314.00 - £37,035.00 Grade 8, Career Grade
Recovery Support Worker (Career Grade) Badsworth, Pontefract
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Residential Worker (Foster Home) x 2

Wakefield Council
£15,533.50 - £16,683.00, Grade 7,
Residential Worker (Foster Home) x 2 Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner