Agenda item

[NOTE:  Councillors D. Jones and G. Jones had earlier declared an interest in this item.]

At its meeting held on 14^th March, 2018, during consideration of the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2017/18, the Committee resolved to receive a report at a future meeting on the problems being faced by the county’s Music Service.

On a day to day basis, Carmarthenshire Music Service (CMS) provides:-

o   peripatetic music support to 79 schools across the county;

o   over 5000 pupils receive tuition across a range of instrumental and vocal tuition, delivered by 32 staff (24 FTE);

o   statutory curriculum support is provided at Key Stage 2 in 7 schools;

o   performing opportunities are offered across all key stages with:

o   11 junior ensembles rehearsing termly, culminating in the annual Junior Proms at the end of the summer term;

o   3 intermediate ensembles rehearsing weekly, culminating in the annual Intermediate Festival;

o   5 senior ensembles rehearsing termly, culminating in the annual Senior Music Festival.

CMS is a highly regarded and valued service, both within the county and nationally and due to a number of successful performances and achievements, has seen its profile rise both within the UK and Europe.

The service has been under intense financial pressure over recent years and experienced a shortfall of £169,127 for 2017/18.  This could be mainly attributed to a decrease in buy-back of tuition from schools due to budgetary pressures etc.  There are also many significant challenges nationally including reductions in the purchase of Service Level Agreements (SLA) as a direct result of rate increases and contract changes.  There has been mention of national funding, however, in the meantime it was imperative to think of ways to keep the serve afloat.

The following questions/observations were raised on the report:-

·       Officers were asked when we could expect a firm statement in relation to national developments and funding.  The Music Service Co-ordinator explained that decisions are currently being made regarding funding for the future and £2m has been earmarked over the next two years to look at how music services can be developed across Wales;

·       Asked if the provision of a music service in schools is cheaper than supply cover, the Music Service Co-ordinator explained that it can be, however, it is more to do with the fact that the  supply cover may not provide what the school wants whereas the Music Service would;

·       Asked how certain they are that the proposed changes are not going to have an effect on children and standards, the Committee was advised that last year the service moved from weekly provision to half termly which had a dramatic effect on standards so for next year the original structure has been put back in place.  Officers are trying to cut cost as much as possible without seeing the service diminishing;

·       Asked how many schools have not signed up to a SLA and why, the Committee was informed that it was sometimes difficult to convince schools of the positive aspects of music e.g. motor skills, calming influence.  If some schools do not use the service for a while officers ask the school what they would like the service to offer.  More schools are signing up promptly to the SLA due to new administrative arrangements, but the exact figures are not finalised yet. There was, however, a problem with the more rural schools as it takes might take 2 hours to travel there and back for a half hour buy back;

·       The importance was stressed of the music service being available to all children throughout the county.  The Director informed the Committee that the department absorbed last year’s overspend, however, it was essential to look at whether to allocate core funding to protect the service.

RESOLVED

6.1     that the report be received;

6.2     that the Committee receive an update report as soon as           information is received regarding national developments.