Use our template to ask your local candidates to invest in the arts ahead of the 7 May England council elections. Our new research has found local government arts funding has plummeted 55% across Britain since 2010, down from £1.19 billion to just £539 million in 2024-25. Use our Local Government Arts Funding Tracker tool to find relevant figures for your area and insert into your letter or email using our template below. Find your candidates' contact details online here.
*Please note, Equity is not contacting Reform candidates during this election. We advise members not to contact Reform candidates in an Equity capacity.
Email and letter template
Dear [Candidate name],
I am writing as a resident of [Local Council/ward] and a member of Equity trade union.
Analysis commissioned by Equity has found a devastating decline in local government funding for the arts and entertainment, which has plummeted by 55% across Britain since 2010
The same research shows that in [Local Council] average annual arts funding has fallen by [Change trend] since 2010 in real terms.
Historically, local government has been the largest source of arts funding across the UK, including theatres, live performance, museums, galleries and more. Equity is calling for investment in arts spending ahead of voters going to the polls on 7 May, saying “defending and extending local arts offers is an essential part of councils’ future success.”
The arts play a vital role in local economies, anchoring night life and driving tourism. Shared stories have the power to bring communities closer together, and arts workers make a huge contribution to our economy and our society.
My voting decision will be determined by candidates’ willingness to defend and extend local arts funding, which is essential for my livelihood and for our wider community.
Are you committed to supporting the arts and entertainment locally? Will you work with me and other Equity members to secure the best local arts and entertainment after the election?
I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]