New cultural strategy voted through

Wiltshire Council's cultural strategy passed with 54 votes

A culture strategy described by a councillor as "toothless" has been voted through.

Wiltshire Council's cultural plan centred around three core principles focused on empowering others, the environment, and improving access to culture.

The Liberal Democrats shared concerns there was not enough in the strategy for young people and people belonging to ethnic minorities.

Council leader Richard Clewer said he was “bemused” by 14 councillors abstaining and another nine voting against the plan.

The strategy's objectives included using art and culture as “a vehicle to revitalise town centres and increase footfall” in Wiltshire.

Conservative leader Mr Clewer said: “This is about how we can make sure that we are promoting our places to have their own identity and to be thriving in their own right.”

It was explained the document would be a framework for Wiltshire Council to work with the county's parish councils and communities.

The strategy was passed with 54 votes of approval on 24 July, but some criticised the lack of culture budget.

Councillor Paul Sample described the plan as “toothless” and Wiltshire Council’s Liberal Democrat leader Ian Thorn said he doubted the local authority had the capacity to deliver the plans.

He said: “If we get through 10% of this over the next 12 months, I will be absolutely astonished.”

'A weird world'

Councillor Sven Hocking - cabinet member for arts, heritage and tourism - said those criticising the funding had “a duty to come up with some figures and where you’re going to get the money from.”

Mr Clewer said a "quick, rough calculation" showed the council put more than £2m a year into supporting culture through initiatives such as the Wiltshire Towns Programme and its work with world heritage sites.

He concluded: “I’m bemused that we seem to have the Liberal Democrats about to abstain on the idea of supporting culture, but hey, politics is a weird world.”