Agenda item - Music & Arts Services Cuts

Report of the Monitoring Officer (copy attached).

59.2               The Mayor then invited Mr. K. Turvey to present both the deputation and the petition concerning the proposed cuts to the music and arts services.

59.3               Mr. Turvey thanked the Mayor and stated that a total of 4,234 people had signed the combined paper and e-petition which read as follows:

“We the undersigned petition the council to not cut funding to the Brighton and Hove Music & Arts Service by 50% in 2012 and by 100% by 2013.

               Currently 2500 children each week are engaged in Music and Arts Service activities across the city including 500 families from low income backgrounds who access subsidies provided through the service. We believe that an "outstanding" Music and Arts Service, such as we have in Brighton and Hove is an integral part of a comprehensive education for all children in our City. We urge the Council to reverse this proposed cut that will directly impact on children and young people across the city from all schools.”

59.4               Mr. Turvey also referred to the deputation which had been circulated with the addendum papers and noted that a number of testimonials had been submitted in support of the music & arts services.  He stated that he hoped the council would take account of the number of people who had signed the petition and review the proposed cuts so as to reinstate the funding for the services that were enjoyed by people of all ages.  He noted that a mother of a child on income support had not been aware of the fact that her child could benefit from attending a music workshop at Blatchington Mill School but since this had been made known to her, her child had benefitted enormously and was looking forward to attending music classes in the future.  However, the proposals would mean that they would lose that part of their lives.

59.5               Councillor Shanks noted both the deputation and the petition and thanked Mr. Turvey for putting forward the arguments.  She acknowledged the value of the services that were provided and stated that having listened to people’s concerns as part of the budget consultation process, the savings for 2012/13 had been reinstated and 75% of the savings for 2013/14.  The council was working with its partners  and looking at options to provide for the funding gap that would exist and she was hopeful that this would be achieved.

59.6               Councillor A. Norman moved an amendment on behalf of the Conservative Group to include a further recommendation at 2.2 of the report detailing the petition, which requested that the Cabinet give consideration to ensuring that the music service remained fully funded for at least two years.

59.7               Councillor Wealls formally seconded the amendment and sated that the impact which music had on young people’s lives was something that should be taken into account.  He had not realised how much of a positive impact it could have on learning for other subject areas.

59.8               Councillor Lepper welcomed the changes to the proposed savings as outlined by Councillor Shanks and stated that she believed Brighton & Hove was the music capital of the south coast and should be protected.

59.9               Councillor Brown stated that she fully supported the petition and that the service offered was second to none and paid dividends in the long run for those that experienced it.

59.10          Councillor MacCafferty stated that he was himself a musician and fully appreciated how music played an important role in the lives of people.  He noted that music & arts services had been cut severely by the Government and hoped that the council could support its service wherever possible.

59.11          Councillor Shanks noted the comments and stated that the reinstatement of the funding had resulted from the consultation process and listening to the concerns raised.  She accepted that everybody felt that a wonderful service was provided and that was a reason why she was happy to accept the amendment and look to find ways of funding the service in the future.

59.12          The Mayor noted that the amendment had been accepted and put the recommendations as amended to the vote which was carried.

59.13          RESOLVED:

(1)         That the petition be referred to the Budget Cabinet Meeting on the 9^th February for consideration;

(2)         That the Cabinet be requested to give consideration to ensuring that the Music Service remained fully funded for at least two years.