The Department for Culture Media and Sport has shifted responsibility for more than £5m worth of core funding for Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums to the Arts Council England.

The move was formalised on 3 April this year and follows the expansion of the Arts Council’s remit to develop regional museums, which was announced last October. As a result, Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums (TWAM), which covers five local authorities and 12 museums and galleries, will receive £5.6m worth of core funding, specifically for partnership work, and £4.9m funding as a major partner from the Council.

The DCMS said transferring the responsibility for overseeing funding to the Arts Council made sense. Culture minister Ed Vaizey said: “Arts Council England is perfectly placed to ensure this outstanding resources continues to provide education, inspiration and entertainment.”

An Arts Council spokeswoman said that it does not anticipate having to oversee funding for other institutions currently funded directly by the DCMS.

Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England, said: “I believe this additional responsibility is a further indication of the government’s confidence in the Arts Council’s ability to manage its growing cultural and educational remit efficiently and creatively.”

Iain Watson, director of TWAM, said the organisation had had an unique relationship with DCMS, but welcomed the new association with Arts Council England. “The new relationship with the Arts Council will allow us to continue to work at a local, regional, national and international level in order to deliver the best strategic and joined-up services for the people of Tyne and Wear.”