Worries over proposals to cut music instructors in South Lanarkshire

Parents in South Lanarkshire have started a petition pleading with councillors not to cut music instructors when they set their spending plans for the year ahead.

They're considering reducing the number of posts as they get ready to set out their spending plans for the year ahead.

Opportunities

David Cameron from Uddingston has primary and secondary school children.

He told Clyde 1: "My youngest son, Toby, has just started playing the saxophone and he was delighted to get the chance to do so.

"He is very concerned about the prospect of this being taken away from him.

"Music teaching is not just a skill - it gives children, many of whom struggle to socialise with each other because of the effects of covid, undeniable additional benefits."

Councillors say cutting 10% of music instructors in schools across the local authority will save £272,000.

No final decisions made

A budget consultation process, seeking the views of the public, remains open until Friday.

The leader of South Lanarkshire Council, Joe Fagan, told Clyde 1: "This year, reductions to our instrumental music service are among options being considered.

"There are areas of frontline teaching and learning where it is not possible to take savings from meaning that we have to look at other areas.

"However, just because this savings option is being put forward to councilors, it doesn't mean that it will be accepted."

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