Decision details

That the publication of the Department for Education’s National Plan for Musicand the introduction of new funding arrangements to support music education be noted.

That the steps being taken by the Council and Bromley Youth Music Trust to secure funding under the new arrangements be endorsed.

That the reduction in the Bromley Youth Music Trust contract fee for 2012/13 and 2013/14 as a contribution towards overall savings that the Council is required to make following the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review of November 2010 be noted.

That the activity being undertaken by Bromley Youth Music Trust to secure funding to offset the impact of a reduction in the level of funding from the Council be noted.

The National Plan for Music Education was published by the Government on 25^th November 2011.  From 1^st April 2012, music education will be provided through new music education hubs, which will deliver music education through a hub and spoke partnership model, bringing together local authorities and local music organisations, such as orchestras, choirs and other music groups to ensure that every child has a high quality music education, including the opportunity to learn to sing, to play an instrument and to play music with others.

From 1 August 2012, funding for music education will be routed to the new music education hubs following an open application process.  As the provider of Bromley’s music education service, Bromley Youth Music Trust has agreed to act as the lead partner in the Bromley Music Hub, and has formed the Music Education Partnership Group to provide the broad range of expertise and resource necessary to support the development of a submission to the Department for Education and the Arts Council for England by the deadline of 17^th February 2012. 

Following the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review of November 2010, the Bromley Youth Music Trust has been implementing a strategy to offset the impact of a reduction in the level of funding from the Council, including an increase in fees for lessons, group activities and services provided to schools, and is working with the newly?established Music Education Partnership Group to identify additional sources of funding, such as sold services.