The National Framework for Cultural Policy is set by the Department for Culture Media and Sport which directly funds national cultural institutions and sets the terms for a series of arms length public bodies, including Arts Council England.

Despite an estimated cut of 48% in Local Authority funding for culture between 2010/11 and 2022/23 Local Authorities remain, proportionately, the biggest supporters of arts in England. In 2022-23, public funding for culture was made up of 51% from local authorities, 32% from grant-in-aid (GiA) allocated by central government (for Arts Council England, the British Library, Historic England and DCMS-sponsored museums), 11% from the National Lottery, and 7% from tax reliefs for theatres, orchestras and museums.

The recent Hodge Review of Arts Council England recommends that Local Authorities should be statutorily required to publish and maintain a cultural strategy. The Council supports culture and creativity through many of its activities and powers. This strategy builds on these roles, which sit across multiple teams in the council.

Brokering relationships for the cultural sector

The Council has the power to connect cultural activity to places where it is needed most. Culture has an important role to play in healthcare, regeneration schemes and schools - the Council can organise boards, panels and initiate its own programmes that extend the work of cultural organisations, to where it is needed most.

Promoter of cultural activity

The Council is a powerful champion of culture and creativity with the power to amplify, celebrate and publicise it through its magazine, social media channels and access to street level advertising hoardings. It has unrivalled power to help cultural organisations find and develop new local audiences and to attract new creative and cultural organisations to Bexley.

Planning for cultural activity and creative business

The Council has the power to encourage cultural production and experiences in the borough through the planning system and regeneration plans. Much of the borough’s commercial and community culture need not be provided by London Borough of Bexley but needs recognition and support through planning. 

Managing venues, parks and open spaces

The Council manages six libraries, three historic houses and over 100 parks and open spaces These are the social fabric of the borough - places for weddings, birthdays, celebrations, festivals, concerts and wakes - enabling residents to learn, exercise and socialise. These spaces are also a platform for markets, creative enterprises/small businesses, museum displays, film shoots and cultural experiences.