Issue - meetings

To consider the development of an options appraisal between Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Music Services to establish and operate a new regional Music Hub.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Kam Kaur

Councillor Kam Kaur introduced a report requesting consideration of an options appraisal between Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Music Services to establish and operate a new regional Music Hub.

Councillor Kaur explained that the options appraisal would explore joint management arrangements which would be reported back to Cabinet in June or July.  She reminded Members that over 12,000 children accessed the music service each week, which should be applauded and encouraged everyone to attend the concerts where possible.  Coventry City Council had agreed to lead the collaborative with Warwickshire and Solihull Councils and the outcome of the bid was expected in April 2024. 

Councillor Roodhouse welcomed the report and recognised that this was a small but dynamic service who should be recognised for the contribution they made.

Councillor Seccombe supported the comments made and reiterated the important addition that music brought to children and their education.  The service was often accessed by children who would never have had the opportunity otherwise and many had benefitted over the years.  It was noted that this was not a statutory service but had been proven to improve student’s outcomes in education and the team involved should be congratulated for their commitment.

Councillor Kaur thanked Members for their comments and proposed the recommendations as laid out in the report.

Resolved

That Cabinet

1)    Approves the development of an options appraisal between Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Music Services to establish and operate a new regional Music Hub that encompasses all three local authority areas from 1 September 2024; and

Authorises the Executive Director for Children and Young People in consultation with the Executive Director for Resources to work with Coventry City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to develop the options appraisal with a report back to Cabinet on the preferred model, its establishment and operating arrangements.