Newly-published findings from a Museums Association (MA) survey - The Impact Of Cuts On UK Museums - have revealed how public sector cuts have impacted UK attractions.

According to the survey, a fifth of all UK heritage sites have been cut by more than a quarter and more than 60 per cent have reduced their public events programmes. Meanwhile, it has been revealed that half of UK museums have reduced their opening hours and more than 85 per cent have been forced to lay off staff members.

MA director Mark Taylor said: "Local authorities that have made cuts to their museums of more than 25 per cent impoverish their communities. "Many local authorities haven't yet made a final decision so still have a chance to do the right thing for present and future generations by not cutting so ferociously."

Meanwhile, the MA has also revealed that the government has issued new guidance that is designed to make it easier for schools to take children on educational trips to museums. The Department for Education has cut 150 pages of guidance down to eight, a move that is welcomed by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC).

CLOtC chair Beth Gardner said: "The new guidelines clarify the legal responsibilities relating to taking children outside the classroom, which are seldom as onerous as teachers expect." Image: Britainonview / Simon Kreitem