Cutbacks to music service approved

COUNCILLORS have approved a radical overhaul of children’s music lessons in Perthshire, making almost £60,000 of cuts.

And there could be more changes to come, with consultation to begin on music tutors and the way they are funded.

A task group, led by three senior teachers, was set up to review the region’s highly regarded Instrumental Music Service (IMS).

It followed a decision by councillors in March to partially reject proposals to cut £75,000 from the IMS budget, while avoiding swingeing cuts to jobs and services.

The cutbacks were set out in the council’s 2014 budget, but they were given a stay of execution to avoid making changes during the service’s 50th anniversary last year.

Members of the housing and health committee voted 11-3 in favour of £58,600 worth of savings — around 5.8% of the total IMS budget.

Around £35,000 will be saved by withdrawing free tuition from S3 pupils.

A review of music camps will also save £1,000 by cutting down on some bus trips and £3,000 by removing the need to have a full-time nurse on site.

A further £19,600 will be saved by withdrawing the equivalent of half a full-time member of staff.

Critics have said the latest proposals are a “backward step” and may put future generations off signing up to the service.