Campaign for the Arts director Jack Gamble has backed the LGA’s call for immediate action to safeguard council finances, labelling their instability a “critical risk” to the arts.

“Local councils are vital public investors in the arts and have a legal duty to provide public libraries,” Gamble told The Stage. “Yet cultural services are among those critically at risk due to the funding crisis in local government.

“We join the LGA in urging the chancellor to take immediate action to stabilise council finances and protect local access to the arts and culture for everyone.”