Bazalgette: Local authority arts cuts 'very concerning'

TV executive Sir Peter Bazalgette was appointed chairman of the Arts Council England in September 2012 by the Department of Culture and will be starting the job this week.

The Arts Council is also having its budget cut - from £450m to £350m by 2015.

In his first broadcast interview since taking up the role, Sir Peter Bazalgette, explained to Today presenter Justin Webb how the Arts Council will be dealing with the cuts that many local authorities are making to arts spending.

"We have to make the best case for the arts," Sir Peter said, and emphasised the value that the arts provides to the creative industries and communities.

"We are very concerned about local authorities - they do actually put more money into the arts than the Arts Council," he added.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday 25 February 2013.