Laura Sharman 27 October 2021

Council spending on museums falls by more than a quarter in past decade

Council spending on museums falls by more than a quarter in past decade image

Local authority spending on museums and galleries has fallen by 27% in the past decade, new analysis has found.

A report by the Museums Association reveals that across the UK spending fell from £426m to £311m between 2009/10 and 2019/20.

England saw the biggest drop at 34% in real terms, while Scotland saw spending fall by the least at 23%.

The report warns the cuts to funding are having a material impact on the ability of museums to maintain basic levels of service.

Sharon Heal, director of the Museums Association, said: 'This independent research lays bare the debilitating reduction in funding that local museums have suffered over the past 10 years. These museums provide a vital community service, and in some towns and cities they are amongst the few civic spaces that are open and welcoming to all.

'We know that local authorities are under enormous pressure to provide statutory services, despite sustained cuts to their budgets, which often means that museums lose out.'

The Museums Association is calling for the Government to take a strategic approach to investment in local museums and develop new ways to support revenue funding for local museums.

It also wants the Museums and Galleries Exhibitions Tax Relief to be made permanent and for local authorities to help museums work with partner organisations in their communities.

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, commented: 'Funding for museums and other cultural services has been affected in recent years by rising pressure on council budgets and growing demand for statutory services like social care, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Councils need a fair and sustainable funding settlement in the upcoming Spending Review to ensure they can continue to fund these essential community services and deliver against the Government’s plans for Levelling Up.'

Photo: elRoce / Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

North Northamptonshire Council
£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Capital Delivery Manager

South Wales Trunk Road Agent
£50,788 - £52,805
To be responsible for the implementation of Welsh Government’s Renewal and Upgrade programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recuriter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer x 2

Hounslow London Borough Council
£47,532 –£55,620 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI Chelmsford

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI ChelmsfordFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£77136 - £88230 per annum
Shape a fairer future for children with special educational needs.As Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chel England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner