Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services seeking approval to accept a grant of up to £696,409 over three years to from the Arts Council England to assist Southampton City Council, Southampton Music Service to deliver Music Education Hubs.

(i)  To accept the grant of £696,409 from the Arts Council England on behalf of the Southampton Music Education Hub Partnership.

(ii)  To approve, in accordance with financial procedure rules, revenue expenditure of £696,409, to support schools in delivering the National Plan for Music Education for the period 1 August 2012 to 31 March 2015.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services and Learning to take all action necessary to deliver high quality music provision as lead partner in the Southampton Music Hub Partnership including incurring expenditure of up to £696,409 as set out above.

1.  Music hubs are the vehicle for receiving national funding to support music education delivery.  The Southampton Music Hub will act as a gateway for local areas to create music education provision that works in a local context, both in and out of school.  The Music Hub will help drive the quality of service locally, with scope for improved partnership working, better value for money, local innovation and greater accountability.

2.  To enable SCC to accept the resource from the Arts Council England and operate as Lead Partner in the Music Hub.  Enabling all children in the city to have access to high quality music provision.

3.  The recommendation for SCC to accept government funding will enable the lead organisation (Southampton Music Services) to fulfil its role in leading delivery of the NPME in line with Central Government timescales:  The Music Hub is now able to start delivery of services from September 2012. 

1.  Invite another organisation to apply as Lead Partner.  This was not a viable option as there was no other suitably qualified, resourced or experienced organisation that came forward with a proposal to submit an application. 

2.  Decide not to submit an application for central Government funding.  This would result in a new music provider coming into the City.

3.  Consult with another Local Authority Music Provider to investigate a merger. This option was explored (Hampshire Music Service) but was rejected due to TUPE implications and significant related financial risk.