Midlothian Council proposes drastic cuts to instrumental music service

Midlothian Council, based just south of Edinburgh, has announced its plans to cut its instrumental music service by 60 per cent, reducing its funding by £444,000 since 2023/24. 

The decision has been made in order to combat a £14.481 million funding gap.

Although there has not yet been an impact statement, it is understood that the proposals detail plans to implement a service operated only by funding received from the Scottish Government. 

‘As a result of an agreement with the Scottish Government, there are no charging fees for children learning a musical instrument and this would remain the case,’ a spokesman from Midlothian Council tells MT. 

‘Instead, we would operate the instrumental music service within the £206,000 funding provided by the Scottish Government. Priority would be given to supporting those studying for music qualifications in secondary schools. 

‘The proposed saving of £444,000 is what we spend over and above the Scottish Government funding, and that would come largely from reducing staffing costs. No decisions have been made.’

The MU has stated it is ‘hugely concerned’ by the proposals, and it urges all those impacted to contact their regional office.