Struggling regional museums will receive a total of £30m from the government over the next four years - less than a third of the amount they had expected.

David Barrie, director of the National Art Collections Fund, said the extra money, if spread evenly, would give each eligible museum about £12,000 annually for four years: 'The government is going to have to reach more deeply into its pockets if the promised 'renaissance' is ever to be realised.'

There was also disappointment at the beleaguered British Museum. Although it will receive a rise in funding and a one-off grant of £400,000, Neil MacGregor, director said: 'In the longer term it still leaves us unable to realise the museum's full potential.'

The Natural History Museum has said it will fight free admission to museums if the government fails to 'fund it properly'. But in a statement the DCMS said: 'This is a big increase in central government support to these museums.' Details: www.culture.gov.uk