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Moray council approves 100% cut in arts funding Moray council approves 100% cut in arts funding
(7 months later)
Moray council has agreed to cut £30m from its budget over the next three years with warnings of major cuts to services including the complete removal of funding for the arts.Moray council has agreed to cut £30m from its budget over the next three years with warnings of major cuts to services including the complete removal of funding for the arts.
As well as ending support for the artistic community the council approved the removal of subsidised bus services, the closure of seven libraries and a one-year reduction in roads maintenance.As well as ending support for the artistic community the council approved the removal of subsidised bus services, the closure of seven libraries and a one-year reduction in roads maintenance.
The withdrawal of funding for arts in Moray will seriously affect local theatre – among other arts groups – and could mean that touring troupes like the Royal Shakespeare Company would be unlikely to return.The withdrawal of funding for arts in Moray will seriously affect local theatre – among other arts groups – and could mean that touring troupes like the Royal Shakespeare Company would be unlikely to return.
It is understood Moray is the first local authority in Scotland to completely withdraw backing for the arts and culture.It is understood Moray is the first local authority in Scotland to completely withdraw backing for the arts and culture.
The announcement came just days after Harriet Harman intervened to stop Newcastle council from cutting its arts budget by 100%, halving grants to its museums and reducing its library service by 60% – proposals that were heavily criticised by prominent artists including Lee Hall, who wrote Billy Elliot.The announcement came just days after Harriet Harman intervened to stop Newcastle council from cutting its arts budget by 100%, halving grants to its museums and reducing its library service by 60% – proposals that were heavily criticised by prominent artists including Lee Hall, who wrote Billy Elliot.
Moray councillors approved a series of measures which will cut £7m from the budget for 2013-14 and warned that "more radical proposals" were being lined up in order to save money. More libraries could be set to close.Moray councillors approved a series of measures which will cut £7m from the budget for 2013-14 and warned that "more radical proposals" were being lined up in order to save money. More libraries could be set to close.
Ending funding for the arts will save the council £94,000 over three years.Ending funding for the arts will save the council £94,000 over three years.
Ten years ago there was only one professional theatre company in Moray but now there are at least eight and the area boasts the highest concentration of theatre companies in the Highlands.Ten years ago there was only one professional theatre company in Moray but now there are at least eight and the area boasts the highest concentration of theatre companies in the Highlands.
However, councillor Allan Wright said budget decisions reflected feedback from the public during a three-month period of consultation which he described as "hugely worthwhile".However, councillor Allan Wright said budget decisions reflected feedback from the public during a three-month period of consultation which he described as "hugely worthwhile".
He added: "It has undoubtedly achieved a real understanding by the public of the financial challenge we face. And it has provided some pretty clear guidance on where the axe might fall and where it should be spared. Throughout the exercise, we gave a solemn undertaking that the views we garnered would be reflected in our budget decisions – and they have been."He added: "It has undoubtedly achieved a real understanding by the public of the financial challenge we face. And it has provided some pretty clear guidance on where the axe might fall and where it should be spared. Throughout the exercise, we gave a solemn undertaking that the views we garnered would be reflected in our budget decisions – and they have been."
Macbeth, King of Scotland from 1040 until his death in 1057, was born in Moray and local folklore says that Sueno's Stone in the town of Forres marks the crossroads where he met the three witches.Macbeth, King of Scotland from 1040 until his death in 1057, was born in Moray and local folklore says that Sueno's Stone in the town of Forres marks the crossroads where he met the three witches.
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