Striking a chord
Support rises for campaign
Pressure is this week piling on council bosses to reverse their new “means tested music” policy.
Officials have been warned they either back down or face a summerlong backlash.
It comes as a string of high profile figures voiced a chorus of discontent.
We told last week how instrument charges, starting at £200 for a family’s first child, will be imposed in South Ayrshire from August.
Classical star Nicola Benedetti is among those to sign a petition against the move.
Now political pressure is piling on County Buildings to make a climbdown.
Former councillor and now MP, Bill Grant, said: “There is no shame in reversing a bad decision – particularly one which affects our children.
“We cannot allow their creativity to be stifled in such a way.
“This is means tested music and will have very real, negative consequences.”
The move to introduce charges – and potentially limit access to lessons for some – will save the council £46,000.
It comes as Central Ayrshire MP, Philippa Whitford, called for reassurances.
She said: “Learning a musical instrument in school is how many children first develop their interest in music and, for some, can be the only opportunity to do so.
“I have written to the council to ask for more information on the proposal and for assurances that the plans will not restrict access for pupils from less welloff backgrounds so all those who wish to learn an instrument have the opportunity to do so.”
A council spokesman said: “We remain committed to providing and protecting the instrumental music service for our young people and that is exactly what the introduction of charges allows us to do in a climate of decreasing budgets and increased demands for council services.”
Former council legal boss Ralph Riddiough, himself a music teacher, is leading a campaign against the new charges.
He said: “For some parents, the payment of £200 may as well be £2000.
“This decision must be reversed.”