Brighton and Hove Music and Arts recently won the National, Music Teacher “Hub Innovation Award” in London.
As well as the excellent quality of provision, BHMA was also recognised for its inclusive approach to music education as it was commented that “no other hub had gone as far in achieving its priorities in a short space of time, especially in the area of supporting children and young people in challenging circumstances and those with special educational needs and disabilities”. This is an excellent accolade for the city-wide approach to music and performing arts education.
It is a pity, then, that the Green council’s budget (2014-2015) proposes such a harsh cut – £86,000 – to the service’s local grant.
The reasons given are also somewhat misleading. For example, the budget documentation claims that BHMA is “unusual” in still receiving a local grant. This is definitely not the case.
According to a report of the National Music Participation Director (2013) and my own enquiries into the situation nationally, more than 52% of local authorities continue to provide financial support to their music education hubs. Furthermore, to quote the report directly, a number of authorities have increased the level of financial support provided to their music education hubs.
I would urge the Greens to reconsider the scale of their proposed cut if they wish to sustain the excellent and inclusive service that BHMA provides for many children and families across the city.
Keith Turvey, Tivoli Crescent, Brighton
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