Museum funding from council reinstated
27/01/2026
Funding was going to be withdrawn from April
Thanks to the outcry from members of the public Cherwell District Council has changed its plans in relation to withdrawing the funding for Banbury Museum this coming financial year.
The authority says that a better-than-forecast funding announcement from central government has allowed it to revisit its budget proposals. In doing so the council proposes to reinstate the majority of its support to Banbury Museum next year.
But it will still introduce a phased reduction in support over the longer term, with funding being reduced by £28,000 in 28-29 and by £50,000 over the next three financial years.
Banbury’s MP, who started a petition to reverse the musum funding decision, was one of the first to comment. Sean Woodcock said: “I am pleased that the Council has made this decision. When I launched this petition, my office was flooded with emails from residents asking what they could do to help. And the petition itself has attracted thousands of signatures.
“So I’m pleased that they’ve listened and that the future of Banbury Museum is secure.
“Now let’s go win that bid to be Town of Culture.”
Banbury Town Council passed a motion urging Cherwell District Council to reconsider withdrawing funding for the museum. Leader of the Council, Councillor Shaida Hussain, said: “I’m pleased Cherwell has listened to residents and taken this important step. This change gives us the chance to work together on a sustainable future for Banbury Museum—one that protects our heritage and keeps it at the heart of our community.”
Following the annoucement the Museum issued a statement: “Banbury Museum & Gallery welcomed the announcement yesterday that Cherwell District Council intend to support the Museum in 2027/28, following their public consultation that proposed cutting the Museum’s funding entirely from 2027.
“The environment for all those working in the cultural sector remains very challenging, however the Museum’s trustees will now review the Museum’s budget in the light of this announcement, and seek support for the Museum’s future.
“The Museum has been overwhelmed by the level of support offered by our community, that shows just how important our services are. We are delighted that the Museum will continue to play a central role in our town’s life, a town with a rich heritage and bright future. The Museum would like to thank all those who contributed to the campaign.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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