Will RDA cuts affect museum funds?

Questions have been raised over the future of museum funding as regional development agencies have been forced to make cuts by the government.

In a statement, the North West Development Agency (NWDA) said: 'The coalition government has asked the NWDA to find savings of GBP 52 million from this year's budget, which is already over 90 per cent committed.

'Any north-west programme or project that has not had their NWDA funding contracted or has yet to apply for funding for this current financial year will not secure funding from the agency.'

The NWDA funds many projects for museums in the region, including the redevelopment of the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.

In addition the cuts may affect the National Football Museum's plans to move to a new venue in Manchester, claimed the Museums Association (MA).

NWDA's GBP 52 million spending cut is an 18 per cent slice from its budget.

According to the MA, Yorkshire Forward and Advantage West Midlands will also see cuts of around 18 per cent.