Museum visitors react to pay-as-you-feel idea

A council is considering introducing a pay-as-you-feel scheme at the museums and galleries it runs across the city.

Leeds City Council said the idea would be part of a wider package of cost-saving measures as it faces rising social care costs and increased service demands.

Presently the council does not charge an admission fee at the Leeds City Museum and the Leeds Art Gallery, though some other council-owned venues in the city do.

The BBC spoke to several people visiting both venues to ask if they would be happy to pay what they felt their visit was worth.

Paul Madden, a tour bus operator from Ireland, has been coming to Leeds for 30 years and said he would "definitely" have paid an entrance fee.

"I did expect to have to pay a fee and I was very surprised when I didn't," he said.

"They do have a donations box asking for £2, which is very little for what I've just seen."

Mr Madden said £5 would be "a nominal fee to pay and a fair one".

"I'm paying £50 to go to Elland Road tonight and I'll spend the same amount of time there as I did in the museum today," he said.

Victoria Olatungi, 27, also drew a comparison with other leisure activities, as she said she would be happy to pay for entry too.

"People are willing to pay to see a movie and this [the museum] is really beneficial to us.

"I think £5, maximum £10, would be reasonable to pay."

Eddie Myers, who was originally from Leeds but now lives in Nottingham, said he had "no objection" to pay-as-you-feel, as long as the charges did not become compulsory.

He said bringing in a concrete entry fee would "restrict access" to museums for "young people and the unemployed".

"The museum's a hugely important resource and I understand they need the funds," Mr Myers said.

"If it was pay-as-you-feel I'd be perfectly happy with that. It's really important we preserve the civic fabric and this is part of that."

Rachael Howarth, who was heading into Leeds Art Gallery, said she would be "more than happy" to pay because "the arts are hugely underfunded".

"It's great that the museums are free and that's good for people who can't afford it, but I think pay-as-you feel is a great way to raise funds from people who want to and can afford to," Ms Howarth, from Castleford, added.

One man who gave his name as Callum was less sure about the idea, however.

He cited the high prices in the gift shop as part of his thinking.

"It's a tough one," he said.

"My stinginess inside me wants to say 'no', but I understand if you are trying to get revenue in [you might have to do it]."

The city council is considering the idea as part of measures to address a £106.4m savings requirement for the next financial year.

Along with the pay-as-you-feel policy, the authority is considering closing the Abbey House Museum, located in the gatehouse of the ruins of the 12th Century Kirkstall Abbey.

Beyond next year, the council is provisionally expecting to require a further savings of £35.2million in 2026/27 and £29.6million in 2027/28.

The initial proposals will be considered by the council's executive board on 11 December.

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