Literacy news
Government proposes to abolish MLA
27 Jul 2010
Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has proposed abolishing the MLA "to focus efforts on frontline, essential services and ensure greater value for money," according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The proposal came as part of DCMS review of public bodies which will see 55 such bodies merged, abolished or streamlined as part of the government's cost-cutting drive. The Advisory Council on Libraries (ACL) is also facing the axe, as is the UK Film Council.
However "government support for museums, libraries and archives will continue," according to the DCMS.
In response to the announcement, MLA Chair Sir Andrew Motion and Chief Executive Roy Clare pledged a smooth transition to the new system, particularly in light of the recession and ongoing funding cuts affecting all areas of the body.
In a joint statement, which gave the wind-up date as April 2012, the pair said:
“The team in the MLA have worked tirelessly and with commendable commitment to develop the capacity of the organisation since 2007. Faced with an unforeseen degree of economic pressure, government has chosen to balance the books and to prioritise the rationalisation of its existing cultural agencies as a contribution.”
However they pledged to “continue to deliver a vibrant and effective expert service for the public who rightly expect excellent, sustainable museums, libraries and record offices in their local neighbourhoods.” The pair outlined their ongoing commitment to fighting for this to be “reflected clearly” in the new arrangements.
They added:
"Many longer term decisions will need to be taken and the outcome in October of the government’s spending review will have a pivotal bearing on the details. It is our firm, joint intention to continue to provide strong and visible national leadership and a consistent, purposeful voice”.
The pair remain confident that the “various important capabilities of the MLA will be found new homes” and determined to ensure that sources of advocacy remain in place for museums, libraries and archives and for those who depend upon them.
Motion and Clare noted that the initiative to develop and improve library services would continue and be delivered by MLA and the Local Government Association (LGA) this autumn, unaffected by the announcement.
Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey commented:
“Sir Andrew Motion and Roy Clare have shown great leadership of the MLA and have made great strides in the last two years to streamline the organisation, significantly improving efficiency and effectiveness. However, there is now an opportunity to integrate Renaissance (the MLA's programme to transform England's regional museums) the other important functions of the MLA into the wider cultural framework.”
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