A senior councillor says South Kesteven District Council remains committed to delivering a "vibrant arts and culture programme for residents."

The Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture, Coun Rosemary Trollope Bellew, sought to reassure the district after Nub News yesterday revealed plans by the council to seek savings, largely through staffing reductions and eventually moving to a trust-based operating model for arts and culture.

The proposed changes come as the district council seeks to maintain services whilst receiving less grant funding from central government.

Coun Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, said today: "South Kesteven District Council is planning ahead in order to maintain and develop a vibrant arts and culture programme for residents.

"Although arts,culture and festivals are not statutory services that the Council has to provide, it has a long history of supporting them in recognition of the contribution they make to the social well-being of the district. The aim is for that to continue.

"Against a background of increasing pressure on public finances and further financial challenges to come, this review has identified potential savings and new ways of operating.

"Our three arts venues – Grantham Guildhall, Stamford Arts Centre and Bourne Corn Exchange – currently operate independently of each other and the council, and one of the options being considered is centralising services such as Box Office, marketing and administration."

In 2019/20 the Council had a net spend of £1,748,868 on arts, culture and events services, equivalent to approximately 11% of the total net cost of all General Fund services.

"Our delivery of arts and culture services hasn't changed for many years and by making adjustments we can reduce the level of subsidy that is required," said Coun Trollope-Bellew.

The external review will be considered by meetings of the Council's Culture and Visitor Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee on August 3rd and September 8th after which members will make a recommendation on the way forward for Cabinet to consider on September 14th.