Over 74% of local authorities are either operating on a standstill budget or experiencing cuts, according to the findings of a national survey of arts spending conducted earlier this year and published by the National Association of Local Government Arts Officers (NALGAO). The findings revealed that, during 2004/05, at least nine authorities had either completely cut their arts service or made their arts officer redundant, and 24% of other authorities have experienced a decline in funding of anything up to 50%.
The 88 local authorities contributing to the survey declared a total £26.9m of controllable arts budget for 2005/06, giving an average council spend, per authority of £305,500 on the arts. Commenting on the research findings, Sue Isherwood, Chair of NALGAO, said, ?All those involved with delivering the arts to communities need to be aware of these findings. NALGAO is currently doing follow up research which indicates an even bleaker picture for 2006/07, with 88% of respondents reporting planned cuts in arts budgets. Despite central government?s stated aim of integrating the cultural offer into the fabric of local strategic plans, at that very local level it is proving very difficult for politicians to understand or deliver. The clock is being turned back as we speak.?
Published: 10-10-2005
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