UK Heritage Pulse is a collaborative data and insight project for the UK’s heritage sector, that informs strategy, recovery, and reinvention. In January 2024, 162 UK Heritage Pulse panel members responded to a survey which asked whether their organisation is currently experiencing costs or budget pressures. Then, in March 2024, 49 UK Heritage Pulse panel members responded to a survey which asked a series of questions about lcoal authority funding cuts. The responses show that the heritage sector is under increasing budgetary stress.

The January survey asked a series of questions which explored the extent of the impact of increasing costs, and any cuts or reductions they have been forced to implement or plan to implement to their programmes, services and facilities. The panel were also asked to consider whether they anticipate the pressures getting worse or improving in the future. The data showed that:

• 4 in 5 heritage organisations say they are currently facing budget pressures, particularly due to energy / utility costs and increases in supplier prices
• The majority expect budget pressures to worsen in the next 12 months
• The impact of budget pressures is yet to be fully felt, with organisations making more cuts to planned programmes, services, access and facilities
• The majority of heritage organisations have not been forced to reduce their paid staffing, though 1 in 5 have.

As part of the March survey organisations who are funded by local authorities were asked about the impact of cuts – or potential cuts – to their funding. 49 respondents said they receive regular local authority grant funding and were asked to respond to these questions. The responses showed that:

• organisations report a mixed funding picture with short term funding agreements and many seeing at least some reduction in funding
• the majority of organisations are not clear on their local authority’s plans for future funding
• core running costs and community activities are most likely to be impacted by cuts
• and older people and families with young children most likely to be impacted by cuts to community activity

To read the full details of the two surveys follow these links:

Spotlight on: Budget Pressures

March results: Sector health check and local authority funding cuts