News ? MPs report slams Government policy

Real terms cuts to the level of funding for the arts have been described as a ?mistake? by a committee of MPs. In its report on theatre, the Culture, Media and Sport select committee has criticised Government funding of the arts as ?a policy of stop-go-stop, [which is] eschewed by the Treasury in macro-economic terms of ?boom and bust? [and is therefore] not a prudent approach to the long term investment in the arts to which the Government claims to be committed.? The committee goes on to suggest that the Government should ?find the £34m needed to keep the Arts Council?s funding in line with inflation over the period of the 2004 spending settlement.? The wide-ranging report offers a ringing endorsement of the role and value of theatre, citing its economic impact and the role it can play in regeneration and in making ?public policy gains?.
While the report addresses many areas, ranging from ticketing to town planning, at its heart is a concern about the level and nature of funding to the sector. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport?s urging of Arts Council England (ACE) to make efficiency savings whilst planning funding cuts is described as ?invidious?. Wage levels are seen as a ?scandal? and the Government is urged to ?make a far greater communications effort to tackle levels of anxiety? over the future of subsidy to the sector. ACE itself does not escape criticism; it is advised to take a more dynamic and flexible approach to funding new talent while at the same time adopting a greater preparedness to criticise established clients that fail to deliver. Additionally, while noting that the Government is observing the arm?s-length principle of arts funding, the committee warns the funding body not to take its position for granted: ?this does not absolve ACE from a duty to account for its policies and performance; and its responsibility to put forward a robust case when challenged constructively from whatever quarter.? Criticism is also levelled at West End commercial theatre operators for failing to adequately explain how Lottery investment in the crumbling fabric of West End theatres would be of benefit to the public.