Equity responds to Welsh Government’s draft budget

Performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity has responded to the arts funding proposals set out in the Welsh Government’s draft budget for 2025-26, released earlier this week (10 December).

The union describes the budget proposals as ‘disappointing’ and compared the just over £1 million of proposed funding to the £34 million increase for arts and culture announced by the Scottish Government last week. It points out that every £1 of funding received by the Arts Council of Wales generates £2.51 back into the economy, but 'this draft budget fails to acknowledge that good culture is good for the whole economy and provides no form of long-term investment or sustainability for the sector and its workforce.’

Equity Wales official Simon Curtis said: ‘The First Minister may call this a budget “for hope”, but it provides none to our members who are already struggling to sustain careers in the industry. The extra £1,095,000 funding for ACW next year in no way makes up for the cuts of previous years – and in a budget which includes £1bn of 'new money' due to the Westminster budget, this increase in ACW funding is derisory. We cannot forget that this is taking place against a backdrop of a 40 per cent cut in funding in real terms since 2010. This proposal will see the sector continue to struggle, with institutions – like the Welsh National Opera – continuing to be in crisis and cutting productions and workforce numbers.’

Equity’s statement comes as its members in the Welsh National Opera chorus members prepare for planned strike action on 6,7, and 8 February 2025. The union originally agreed to postpone planned strike action set for 15 November but, is ‘clear that the situation cannot drag out’.