The tables compare the three sources of funding for a public library system and the proportion of its yearly budget allocated to four types of expenditure in 2010 and 2020, followed by projections for 2030.
Overall, the total annual budget for the library system increased over the first decade and is expected to continue rising by 2030. In terms of budget allocation, staff salaries accounted for the largest expense in 2010 and 2020 and are projected to remain the largest by 2030, despite the downward trend throughout the period.
The biggest sources of funding come from national government, with its figure rose by £10 million from £120 million in 2010 and £130 million in 2020. The figures are projected to rise in 2030, reaching £140 million. Following the similar pattern, the funding from local authorities rose significantly from £60 million in 2010 to £90 million in 2020 and forecasted to increase at £120 million by 2030. Donations and other income also grew gradually from £20 million in 2010 to £30 million in 2020 and predicted to reach the total of £40 million in 2030.
Library system allocated most of its budget on staff salaries in 2010 and 2020, with the figures accounting for 60% and 52%, respectively. This category is projected to remain the largest in 2030, accounting for 45% of the total budget. The allocation for building and maintenance also showed a downward trend, with its figure decreased by 4 percentage points, from 20% in 2010 to 16% in 2020, and is projected to further decrease in 2030, at 15%. Conversely, the total allocation for technology and digital services rose considerably from 10% in 2010 to 22% in 2020, and is projected to keep increase in 2030, at 30%. In addition, the total allocation for staff training stayed consistent in 2010 and 2020, at only 10% of the total budget and is forecasted to remain the same in 2030.