Council's 'halving grants could cost jobs' (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Council's 'halving grants could cost jobs'

8:40am Friday 24th November 2006

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MAJOR players in the region's art world have warned that slashing grant funding by half could lead to job losses and jeopardise the future of their organisations.

Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre and Abbot Hall Art Gallery, the Wordsworth Trust, Lake District Summer Music, Grizedale Arts, Lakeland Sinfonia Concert Society, and Lanternhouse International are among a raft of charitable and voluntary organisations which could be hit as South Lakeland District Council aims to cut its £196,000 annual expenditure on grants and subscriptions by £95,000.

for the full story get The Westmorland Gazette

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SLDC has sent a letter to its Regularly Funded Organisations, warning of potential reductions to its voluntary organisations budget for the April 2007 to March 2008 period. As reported, SLDC aims to save £1.6 million next year to balance the books.

Present funding for the Brewery - which, with 70 full-time posts is one of the largest employers in Kendal - stands at £43,000.

But the arts centre's chief executive Sam Mason, and chairman of its board of trustees Anice Paterson, were both worried that it could be halved, which would have serious consequences at the Brewery.

"What's at risk is a big chunk of the programme and jobs," said Mr Mason.

Local authority funding often unlocks cash from elsewhere, and each of the arts organisations voiced fears about the knock-on effect if SLDC decided to pull the plug on future financial support.

For story in full, see Nov 24 Westmorland Gazette.

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