William Eichler 17 December 2024

English councils slash culture spending by 50%

English councils slash culture spending by 50% image
Image: Claudia8c / Shutterstock.com.

Spending on culture, heritage and libraries by English councils has been cut by more than half over the last 15 years, according to new research.

New analysis by the Campaign for the Arts (CFTA) has found that since 2009-10, revenue expenditure on culture has fallen by 50.4% in real terms, from £42.42 to £21.05 per person.

The CFTA also found that per-person spending on museums and galleries has shrunk by 48%, whilst the equivalent library service spend has been cut by 54%.

Jack Gamble, director of the CFTA, said culture funding was ‘critically at risk’ due to pressures on councils’ budgets. Commenting on the research, Cllr Liz Green, chair of the Local Government Association (LGA) Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: ‘Councils remain the biggest public funders of sports and culture services in England, but this report shows the desperate need for them to have the funding they need to continue delivering these services and promote further investment in community services alongside a streamlining of funding pots made available for cultural projects.’

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner