Norfolk Museums Service ended the 2025/26 financial year needing to draw approximately £189,000 from its legacy business risk reserves to balance the books, the Joint Museums Committee heard on 24 April 2026.

The Director of Culture & Heritage, Steve Miller, told the committee that year-end adjustments were still being finalised but that the drawdown figure was forecast at around £189,000, taken from historic reserves held within the former CES directorate.

Despite the shortfall, officers said they were cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. The full operation of Norwich Castle Museum — which reopened in autumn 2025 after a major refurbishment — is expected to sustain higher trading levels, though members were warned that visitor numbers may ease back from the post-reopening surge.

The Museums Pass, which provides a stable recurring income stream, has now passed 10,000 members. The service is also generating revenue by hiring out new spaces at Norwich Castle for weddings, banquets, award ceremonies and contemporary dance events.

One committee member raised concerns about the impact of cost-of-living pressures on secondary spending — such as café and retail sales — at museum sites. The assistant head of museums, Dr Robin Hanley, acknowledged this had been factored into visitor projections for 2026/27.

A separate member suggested aligning Castle events with wider Norwich city centre activity to maximise footfall and income. Miller said the Castle was in a stable retail and events position, with a focus on maximising commercial opportunities through the Royal Palace: Reborn project.

Committee members also raised practical concerns about facilities at Norwich Castle, including toilets, the café counter and an accessible lift. Officers confirmed the lift was in operation and that the operations manager was actively addressing the other issues.