The view from local governments in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland on local cultural decision making

Cultural DevolutionThe Future of Cultural Devolution in the UK
Written By Culture Commons

Insight Paper

Partners

Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COLSA), Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA).

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper captures perspectives from local government officers and arm’s length organisations across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on the challenges and opportunities of greater local cultural decision-making. Drawing on roundtables co-convened with partners including COSLA, NILGA and WLGA, the paper explores how local authorities are navigating austerity, evolving departmental structures, and growing ambitions for culture-led regeneration. It highlights concerns around capacity, funding inequity, and statutory protection for cultural services, alongside emerging examples of cross-departmental collaboration, participatory governance, and data innovation. The paper concludes with a set of policy implications for supporting local authorities to play a stronger role in the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystems of their nations.

Published as part of The Future of Cultural Devolution in the UK.

November 2024

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