Cuts to funding for the arts by local authorities could be ‘devastating' and the Government is disturbed by council cuts to the sector, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has warned.

Although the DCMS claimed to be ‘encouraged' by some local authorities who valued the role of arts in the community, it criticised councils that are coming forward with ‘very substantial cuts', which will lead to the closure of local arts institutions and events.