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February 2025 - Culture and Heritage

Wales ranks second lowest among European nations in per capita spending on cultural services: A recent report has found that Wales ranks second lowest among European nations in per capita spending on cultural services, with only Greece spending less. In terms of specific figures, Wales allocates £69.68 per person annually to cultural services, which is below the UK average of £91.12. This contrasts sharply with countries like Iceland and Luxembourg, which spend £691.60 and £500.90 per capita, respectively.

The report by the Welsh Parliament’s Culture and Sport Committee urges the Welsh Government to increase funding for culture to levels comparable with other nations. It emphasises that investment in culture and sport can enhance physical and mental well-being, contributing to broader societal benefits. The Committee’s analysis highlights a significant real-term reduction in revenue funding for Wales' arts, culture, heritage, and sports sectors over the past decade, leaving these sectors ill-equipped to handle substantial budget cuts.

Organisations such as Museum Wales and the Federation of Museums and Galleries of Wales have expressed concerns about the sustainability of their operations amid ongoing funding cuts. Museum Wales described recent additional funding as a "sticking plaster" that fails to address long-term financial challenges. There is also a call for greater flexibility in how government funding is allocated, allowing institutions to manage resources more effectively.

The report further recommends that cultural services should be recognised for their preventative role in health and social care, suggesting that early engagement with culture and sport is a more cost-effective option than later, more expensive interventions. It advocates for a more integrated approach to funding decisions, aligning them with broader government priorities.

In response, the Welsh Government has acknowledged the report and indicated plans to allocate additional funds in the forthcoming budget to support cultural, arts, and sporting institutions. However, the outlook remains challenging, and there’s a pressing need for a strategic reassessment of funding priorities.

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