County Spotlight - library and culture services

This County Spotlight edition shines a light on County Councils Network  (CCN) members’ cultural services, set across 16 case studies.

It highlights how county authorities are innovating to protect and enhance cultural, library and tourism services despite more than a decade of financial pressure.

Cultural assets—ranging from libraries and museums to creative industries and visitor attractions—play a vital role in community cohesion, wellbeing, education and economic growth.  

Our report showcases how CCN member councils are transforming service models, leveraging partnerships and attracting investment to ensure these cultural services continue to act as the heartbeat of local places.

Key findings from the report:

• Councils in county areas fund 38% of England’s total cultural spend, yet have faced the largest reductions, with cultural budgets falling by 30% since 2010/11.
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• Libraries have evolved into multi‑purpose community hubs, delivering mental health support, business advice, education and flexible opening models using technology.  
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• Library services are the biggest area of cultural spend and councils in England have reduced their expenditure on this service by one quarter – a total of £232.5m since 2010.  
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• Councils in England have reduced their expenditure on libraries, culture and heritage (which incorporates museums, theatres, and arts support) and tourism by £472m since 2010, based on their budgeted spend for 2023/24 compared to 2010/11.

Recommendations to government include:

• Provide long‑term, multi‑year national funding to protect cultural services.  
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• Streamline competitive funding processes to ensure fair access for county areas.  
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• Support libraries and cultural assets as drivers of health, education and economic regeneration.  
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• Strengthen place‑based cultural budgets linked to wider growth strategies.  
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• Encourage partnerships that leverage private investment and expand creative industry opportunities.