Museum funding cuts watered down after backlash

Plans to cut funding to a museum have been watered down after thousands signed a petition opposing the proposals.

Cherwell District Council launched a consultation into its proposals to withdraw funding for Banbury Museum & Gallery as part of its budget in December.

But the authority has now rowed back on those plans, with a new proposal which would see no funding cut from the museum in the coming financial year put forward.

Banbury Museum said it welcomed the announcement, but warned that "the environment for all those working in the cultural sector remains very challenging".

"The Museum has been overwhelmed by the level of support offered by our community, that shows just how important our services are," it said in a statement.

"We are delighted that the Museum will continue to play a central role in our town's life, a town with a rich heritage and bright future."

It added that its trustees would now review its budget, and "seek support for the Museum's future".

Following the announcement, Banbury MP Sean Woodcock, said he was pleased the council had changed its course.

The Labour representative had launched a petition against the proposed cuts last year which received more than 3700 signatures.

"When I launched this petition, my office was flooded with emails from residents asking what they could do to help," he said.

Under the council's updated funding proposals, the authority's funding for the museum would not change for the 2026/27.

The following year would then see a reduction of £28,000 in 2027/28, with a further decrease of £50,000 over the ensuing three years.

Announcing the change, the council's leader David Hingley said: "We said from the start that we would listen carefully to residents, and I want to thank the very many people who took the time to respond to our consultation."

"We are therefore reviewing our approach to funding for Banbury Museum in 2027/28, recognising how passionately residents feel about the Museum's special role in the community."

In its initial budget consultation the authority was aiming to save £1.79m, which included plans to introduce a new operating model for the museum - which it said could provide a saving of £258,000 in 2027/28.

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