Burnham queries additional WAG funding for Millenium Centre (Clwyd West Liberal Democrats)

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Clwyd West Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Burnham queries additional WAG funding for Millenium Centre

January 27, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

Eleanor Burnham, Assembly Member for North Wales has queried the fact that an additional £230,000 is to be given to the Wales Millennium Centre to cover "essential health and safety, accessibility and business continuity".

Eleanor, Welsh Lib Dem Spokesperson for Communities, Culture and Equality said, "This is a rather intriguing decision. Just last week the Minister was telling the Welsh Affairs Select Committee that Wales will be losing funding of around £100m because of the 2012 Olympics. Coupled with the credit crunch this is now an extremely testing time for arts, sport and culture in general.

"This is a rather intriguing decision. Just last week the Minister was telling the Welsh Affairs Select Committee that Wales will be losing funding of around £100m because of the 2012 Olympics. Coupled with the credit crunch this is now an extremely testing time for arts, sport and culture in general.

"There is also a perception that a disproportionate amount of money is being given to Cardiff and the south whilst other, often smaller, established events are gradually disappearing. The recent difficulties experienced by the Brecon Jazz Festival are just one example. I would not like to see projects like the Millennium Centre being funded at the direct expense of local festivals because of the government's budgetary squeezes.

"As a past member of the Audit Committee I welcome the review of the Centre's financial requirements. Whether the Arts Council or the Welsh Assembly Government shoulder the eventual responsiblility for the Centre, the final decision must ensure a sustainable future for the arts in Wales."