News

Arts Council England and the LGA have developed their first ever online resource to help councils develop innovative ways to invest in culture.

Leisure centres could fall into a state of disrepair and even be forced to close without urgent new investment from government, councils warn today.

"Councils recognise the tremendous role that culture and heritage plays in helping to create places where people want to live, work and visit. “While today’s announcement is helpful, further funding would genuinely make a difference in creating culture-led, place-based development in communities. "Local authorities, alongside Arts Council England, are this country’s biggest public sector investors in culture. "Despite significant reductions in central government funding, councils have adopted innovative ways of supporting and boosting culture and heritage. This includes setting up trusts to

"Councils want to protect and maintain the live music venues in their communities and this much-needed update to the planning rules will help achieve a fair and balanced solution between the obligations of housing developers and protecting our vital grassroots music scene."

Councils are full of ideas to support people to be active, including holistic approaches such as planning and designing our areas to make them easier to navigate on foot or by bike, for example, instead of just expecting our residents to attend leisure centres and gyms.

"Councils are extremely proud of our national museums, which serve a key role in the growth of tourism throughout the country. "

"From music festivals and art trails to museums and theatres, we are extremely proud of our local and national heritage which attracts millions of visitors to our communities throughout the country."

Women who successfully campaigned for the right to vote have been recognised in a definitive list of 100 pioneers published in a special e-book.

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, responds to the NICE draft quality standard for encouraging physical activity.

"Our public parks and green spaces are some of our most cherished local services, and this injection of money will boost councils’ efforts to keep these open and in good condition, despite facing significant funding pressures."