UNIVERSAL access to the arts is “disappearing,” warned the Equity union today as it revealed a 55 per cent drop in local government arts funding across Britain since 2010.

The analysis produced by the Autonomy Institute showed budgets down from £1.19 billion to just £539 million in 2024-25. 

England council arts funding suffered the worst cuts, falling by 61 per cent over the period — from £18.67 to a mere £6.47 per person per year.  

Wales saw a 46 per cent fall while Scotland’s councils have reduced real spending by 18 per cent.

Equity’s general secretary Paul W Fleming said: “We are watching universal access to arts and entertainment disappear across Britain as this new research shows the dramatic fall in local authority arts funding.  

“For the first time in a generation, people across large swathes of this island will not have the opportunity to visit a theatre. Meanwhile, as funding dries up, it becomes ever harder to make a living as a performer, reducing access to the industry for working-class creatives.”

He added that negotiations with subsidised theatre producers who need to increase pay and modernise terms amidst ongoing austerity in their funding  “is harder for both parties unless local government re-prioritises growth-leading subsidy for the arts.”

Mr Fleming highlights the vital role the arts play in local economies and bringing communities closer together.

“As we head towards a pivotal set of local elections in May, Equity’s research is a clarion call to all councillor candidates — defending and extending your local arts offer is an essential part of your council’s future success,” he said.