PLANS by Suffolk County Council to cut all arts funding could have long-term consequences for the region's economy and social fabric, Equity warned today.
Hundreds of job losses are expected as the local authority is set to make £65 million of spending cuts, including £11m in staffing costs over the next year and its entire £500,000 arts funding.
Equity official for the region Iain Croker said: “Equity and its members across East Anglia will strongly resist these cuts, which not only jeopardise our local identity but also threaten economic growth at a time when the area is supposed to be levelled up.
“The arts play a crucial role in Suffolk’s local communities, providing employment opportunities and enriching the lives of its residents.
“The proposed cuts risk undermining the vibrant arts scene that Suffolk is known for, potentially leading to long-term consequences for the region’s economy and social fabric.”
Cllr Bobby Bennett, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Equality and Communities, said: “This is the most challenging budget-setting process we have seen for many years. Councils up and down the country are facing huge pressures on their budgets and with competition for every pound spent, no decision is taken lightly.
“Like many councils, we are seeing an unprecedented increase in need for services that safeguard and care for Suffolk’s most vulnerable residents. Next year alone, the amount we must spend on children’s services will increase by 28% and on adults by 14%.
“Suffolk County Council must ensure the limited resources it has available are spent directly supporting those most in need. £528k, which is the amount we need to remove from annual arts grants, could help to pay for these services.
“Whilst we very much value the work done by that the arts and cultural sector, we must focus our limited resources on the services where we have a legal duty to deliver.
“To help arts and culture organisations plan for this change we have ensured there is funding in place to provide 12 months' notice and will, of course, continue to work with them and offer project specific funding opportunities.”
