Executive Portfolio:
Developing Young People
Decision Number:
0135 2019/20
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Ward(s) Affected:
All Wards
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
St Helens Music Education Hub – Continuation Funding
Summary of Decision:
To approve the Council continuing to act as lead partner for the hub and accept the DfE funding managed by the Arts Council for 2020/21.
Proposed Decision:
To approve the Council continuing to act as lead partner for the Music Education Hub and to submit an updated business plan as detailed in the Arts Council offer letter for continuation funding for 2020/21.
Summary of Reason for Decision:
Without external funding the provision of music education in the borough will be significantly reduced.
Reason for Decision:
Since May 2012 the Council has acted as lead partner and accepted a grant from the Arts Council to operate a Music Education Hub in St Helens. The Arts Council has now announced that a further roll-over on 1 years funding is now available for 2020/21 and has asked Hubs to accept. The total value of the grant for 2020/21 is £253,739.
Risks Associated with this Decision:
If extension funding is not drawn down the current music education programme cannot continue
Measures to Redress Risk:
The risks associated with this decision for the Music Service are those in not accepting the money. Schools will still have to deliver the National Plan for Music Education. In the same way if the Council Music Service does not manage and lead the Music Education Hub for St Helens then another organisation will be invited by Arts Council England to do so. By being the lead partner and fund holder the Council is therefore best place to influence and support the development of musical activities and music education opportunities for all children and young people in and out of schools as well as through the work of a range of key partners. The activities detailed in the National Plan are the current core business of the Music Service so little change will be seen in day to day activity.
Anti Poverty / Human Rights / Agenda 21 Implications:
The external funding allows financially disadvantaged young people to access music lessons and instruments for which finance would usually be a barrier
Attachments:
Please Contact Jeremy Sleith - Ext 7531 for more details.