East Renfrewshire's Proposed budget cuts
In December 2010 the Parent Council became aware of East Renfrewshire's proposed budget cuts, which were finalised and agreed on 10th February 2011.
The final budget document can be viewed at
The area of concern for many parents was the proposal to stop the Saturday morning music tuition for primary school children. This service will now be retained, although there will be an increase in the financial contribution from parents.
The key points of concern to the Parent Council were :
- Increasing the numbers of children in all Maths classes and English classes in secondary I and secondary II from a maximum of 20 to 30
More Information on proposals regarding music services
The saving proposal with regards to music services will reduce the instrumental music services offered in order to focus on secondary school pupils, and to reconsider the operation of the Wednesday and Saturday music centres, either to withdraw the centres or make them self-financing, saving £328,000 in total, as noted in the above report.
We understand from one ERC councillor that the proposal (if ultimately approved) would be phased in over 2 academic school years. The savings comprise:
an increase in charges from £110 to £150 from August 2011 (as per charging for services report)
loss of income as the service is redesigned (focussing on brass, woodwind, percussion and voice for secondary pupils during school hours)
reduction in staffing, including sessional staff, as a consequence of the redesigned service
removal of the primary youth music initiative.
The youth music initiative is attached to grant funding. Funding for this programme was to cease after 2010/11. There has been some early discussion that this may not happen and so this aspect could be revisited if this funding materialises.
Actions Taken by the Parent Council