BCP Council’s leader has said Bournemouth’s West Cliff artwork is not her choice as councillors questioned how government grants are made available for local projects. Bournemouth’s clifftop artwork was discussed as councillors reviewed pressure on the council’s finances. Councillor Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, told an overview and scrutiny board that the Lean Into the Wind installation on West Cliff was “not my cup of tea”. The artwork was unveiled last month and has drawn criticism from residents who questioned public spending on it. The comments came after Councillor Gavin Wright
Bournemouth’s clifftop artwork was discussed as councillors reviewed pressure on the council’s finances.
Councillor Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, told an overview and scrutiny board that the Lean Into the Wind installation on West Cliff was “not my cup of tea”. The artwork was unveiled last month and has drawn criticism from residents who questioned public spending on it.
The comments came after Councillor Gavin Wright asked whether the council was seeking government grants for services that are under pressure, including SEND and adult social care.
Councillor Earl said some grants are offered because central government wants to meet national aims, rather than because they match local ambitions. She said the money for the West Cliff artwork had been given for that specific purpose.
She added: “It doesn’t make sense to me” that taxpayer money can be available for some projects, while councils face growing pressures around care services and children in need.
Councillor Earl said officers continue to look for external funding for areas such as coastal erosion management, highways, active travel and community activities. She said the council is “always at the mercy” of the grant funding that is available to apply for.
