Those paying Council Tax in Essex, will have noticed the effect of changes made by Government to the rate support grant. These changes have forced local councils to examine their budgets in order to make savings. The results of these savings on support for heritage and culture are now becoming apparent.
The Essex Record Office, which the High Country History Group visited last year, is one organisation targeted. The post of County Archivist was dispensed with over one year ago. There have been four holders of the position covering 64 years; Derick Emmison (1938-49), Ken Newton (1969-78), Vic Gray (1978-93) and Ken Hall (1993-2002). After the axing of the position, Ken Hall continued as head of the Essex Record Office. The loss of this well-established title is to be regretted and the tradition of outstanding archivists within Essex has been severed.
Now Ken Hall has been made redundant. This redundancy follows hard on the heels of the failure to replace one of the two senior archivists, on her promotion to the position of County Archivist in Hampshire. Richard Harris, the remaining senior archivist, has assumed responsibility for the Essex Record Office. Savings have not stopped there. The bookshop has been closed and associated savings have been made to the staffing on the front desk.
Closer to the High County, it is understood that the budget of the Epping Forest District Museum, Waltham Abbey, is likely to be hit by a cut of some £30,000 to £40,000. Such a cut in the budget of a small museum is likely to have serious repercussions for the activities of the museum. There are signs that such action reflects a consistent trend within local councils. Have museums and record offices enjoyed increased funding in recent years? Have they now been capped at recent funding levels or do the cuts signal the start of an attack on such institutions?
These steps are to be deplored. Local cultural and heritage services will decline as a consequence. Apart from this, the axing of senior positions will destroy career paths for young, aspiring archivists. It will reduce the confidence of those wishing to deposit archives in the Essex Record Office. Once shattered this fabric cannot be easily rebuilt. The fabric of culture and heritage is fragile. Please let your council know of your concern!