The Autumn Statement delivered yesterday by the Chancellor of the Exchequer brought bad news for many people across the UK and Government departments, not least the Department for Culture, Media and Sport who are set to face further cuts as a result. It was revealed that the DCMS’ budget would be cut by £12 million in 2013/14 and £22 million in 2014/15. Meanwhile, Chancellor George Osborne also said that there would be a spending review in 2013, which could result in further in-year cuts.
A spokesman for the DCMS said that the department was still working out how to pass on the budget reduction to its funded bodies, such as Arts Council England.
The chancellor’s statement signalled a £12m cut to the DCMS budget in 2013/14 and a £22m cut in 2014/15. There is as yet no indication how much, if any, of this cut will be passed on to the Arts Council and we await advice from the DCMS in this respect.
The changes apply directly only to England, but will have a knock on effect on devolved governments.
Back in Northern Ireland, Finance Minister Wilson said that the cuts will have an impact on Northern Ireland’s spending. He explained: “It will have an effect on us, because we will get what’s called a Barnett consequential, we will take the same percentage cut from our budgets. A spending review across government was also announced, which will certainly cover 2013-15 and possibly beyond, with further savings being sought in these years. The implications of this review for current funding commitments are as yet unclear.’
Further details are available from www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.
