The Government has cut the Arts Council's funding by 30%, they've squeezed local councils who fund local arts organisations and they've abolished the Regional Development Agencies that helped arts organisations get funding. They said that philanthropy would fill the gap - but now they are threatening vital philanthropic support for the arts with their tax changes.
 
This is a problem for arts organisations both big and small and both in London and in the regions who are all finding it harder to attract the charitable funds they need at the same time as their funds from public sources are being cut.
 
The arts are a key part of Britain's identity but their future is now threatened. The Government has not thought this through. But as the cap on tax relief for philanthropic donations is not due to come into force until next year there is still time for the Government to listen, think again and support important charitable giving to the arts.