Clash of culture as minister calls for more funding

LANS for a 2% budget increase for arts and sport fail to address the fundamental issue of Wales' relatively low cultural spending, Senedd members have warned.

- CHRIS HAINES

Delyth Jewell, chair of the Senedd's culture committee, questioned whether a "standstill" budget is sufficient given Wales ranks among the lowest in Europe for spending on culture.

Culture minister Jack Sargeant said the Welsh Government's “rollover” draft budget, which increases broadly in line with inflation, marks a significant shift from only a few years ago.

Labour's Alun Davies warned of a “disconnect between rhetoric and reality”, saying: “We've had a tussle with yourself and your predecessors about funding for the arts and sport.

“The government's position is, I presume, that it does accept that Wales funds the arts, culture and sport less well than any other UK nation and less well than any other comparable nation across Europe. Is that the case?”

Mr Sargeant told the committee the league table includes many caveats as he questioned whether it is a like-for-like comparison.

Mr Davies pressed his Labour colleague, asking: “Does the government accept the relative position of Wales? It’s either yes or no.”

The minister replied: “We accept the position we're in where we are funding our arts and sports sector. They had an increase in the budget last year and they've had an increase restated this year but, again, this is not the end of the process.”