Residents could see fewer cultural events in Coventry as budget cuts continue, report warns
- author, Ellie Brown
- role, Local Democracy Reporter, Coventry
The number of events and services in Coventry could be cut if planned council cuts are approved this month, a report has revealed.
The proposal states that funding for Belgrade Theater and Culture Coventry will be cut by 15% from April 2025.
The move will save £380,000 a year and improve “financial efficiency” for both groups.
The council said the funding did not reflect increased demand for statutory services such as social care.
The local authority’s Equality Impact Assessment said the measures were “likely to result in a reduction in services and events for both organizations, which could impact access, opening hours, admission fees, event prices and production costs.” It is said that
“Decreases in local funding could impact national funding from national arts and cultural organizations.”
The Belgrade Theater played a “vital role” in earning Coventry the title of City of Culture, its website claims, and the charity that runs the theater has received support from the council as well as Arts Council England. It is said to be funded.
The report predicts a decrease in the number of events and an increase in costs.
Belgrade Theater interim chief executive Neil Murray said he was grateful for the council’s continued support during what had been a “very challenging time” for local authority funding.
“We are discussing with them the possibility of subsidy reductions in 2025/26 and will work together to minimize the impact on Belgrade’s activities and production.”
Culture Coventry manages the city’s Transport Museum, the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, the Grade I listed Old Grammar School building and the Lant Roman Fort.
It is part of the wider CV Life group, which provides cultural and leisure activities across the city and operates leisure facilities and neighborhood centers such as Wave and Moat House.
A council spokesperson said: “Coventry City Council is increasing its investment in culture this year and there are no proposals for cuts in the next financial year (2024/25).”
“However, like many local authorities across the country, we feel that funding pressures are increasing, which does not reflect the dramatic increase in demand for statutory services, and has been exacerbated by growing inflationary pressures. I am.
“A range of proposals have been put forward to save money in order to balance the budget and we are seeking views during the consultation which ends on February 7.”
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