Lib Dems Celebrate Victory after U-Turn on Music Funding (South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats)

South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats <info@secambslibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems Celebrate Victory after U-Turn on Music Funding

May 17, 2011 9:37 AM

Delighted Liberal Democrats are celebrating after Cambridgeshire County Council backed down on plans to siphon off £670,000 of government money intended for music across the county.

The sudden U-turn comes after Lib Dems organised a campaign to Save Our Music Service and collected signatures on a petition.

The Lib Dems feared that the county's four music academies, Cambridgeshire Youth Orchestra and music lessons for thousands of youngsters could be at serious risk if the grant were scattered to various committees across the county.

Lucy Nethsingha, Lib Dem spokesperson for Children and Young People said: "I am delighted that Cambridgeshire County Council has decided to listen to our campaign and pass the funding to the music service.

"Cambridgeshire Music Service provides wonderful opportunities for children right across the county and deserves the full support of the county Council. There have been too many cuts to the service over the past years, so it is great news that this money at least is going to the right place.

Earlier this year, the Tories voted to cut a £239,000 subsidy Cambridgeshire County Council gives to Cambridgeshire Music Service and Lib Dems feared that taking away the government money as well could silence the music for thousands of youngsters across the county.

Cambridgeshire Lib Dem Deputy Leader, Peter Downes is a past chair of the Cambridgeshire Youth Orchestra.

He said:"There is clear evidence for the beneficial effect of music-making on children's general development as well as their specific musical skills. Cutting money for music is short-sighted and counter-productive at a time when we are committed to raising standards for young people."

Cambridgeshire Music Service has played a key role in giving all children the chance to learn a musical instrument.

Area music academies run by the service also provide the opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to perform in groups. The four academies provided ensembles for players from Grade 1 - 8 in classical music, jazz, folk music and samba bands.

These academies are free for children whose schools buy tuition from Cambridgeshire Music Service and available for all other children at a modest termly fee.