Following our article yesterday about the imminent shakeup of the Isle of Wight Music Service, there is further news.
Whilst reading through the detailed report that is going before the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel next week (embedded below for your convenience), we discovered there are ongoing financial problems for the service, regardless of the proposed cut in the Music Education Grant by the Government.
Fewer schools to sell service to
The report reveals that following the closure of many schools in the change to a two tier education system, there are now fewer schools to sell the service to.
The report says that because of this fact, as well as a decline in pupil tuition numbers, “The service has an estimated operating loss on £140k in 2011/12.”
It goes on to say, “The overall budget within Schools & Learning will cover this overspend within budget. A detailed budget plan for the remaining school year 2011/12 has been prepared which shows a risk of £105,260 which is what will fall to the council if the music hub bid is not successful.”
Public welcome at Panel meeting next week If the bid for the music hub grant is successful, a delegated decision report will be prepared to launch the consultation based on the options presented. The meeting is being held from 5pm on Wednesday 14th March at County Hall. Members of the public are welcome and invited to speak for 15 minutes prior to the meeting.
Previous proposed cuts caused outcry At the time, former head of the Music Service, Neil Courtney said, “History shows that once you lose a high-quality music service, it is extremely hard to build back up again.”
After debate in the chamber at the Budget Meeting, it was agreed to reinstate the music funding to £85,000.
Members of the Panel, Cllrs George Cameron, Paul Fuller, John Howe, Dave Stewart and Gary Taylor will be meeting next week to make a decision on one of the three options put before them.
Readers may remember the outcry back in 2009, when the ruling group of Conservatives threatened to reduce the annual budget to the Music Service from £105,000 to £13,000.
