RELIEVED campaigners are celebrating after the organisation that arranges boroughwide orchestras and bands for schoolchildren was given a funding cut reprieve.
Harrow Council’s Labour administration had proposed in its draft 2013/14 budget to axe Harrow Young Musicians’ £58,000 annual contract in its entirety from April - but on Monday the authority announced it had would continue to financially support the charity for the next two years in the form of £30,000 this year and £20,000 next.
Former member Sorcha Norris, a 21-year-old violinist who started an online petition against the proposal that attracted 2,495 names, said: “It’s fantastic news. “I’m delighted the council has overturned their previous statement and it really shows how important HYM is to not only the Harrow community but the wider community.
“I’d love to get involved in the future, helping make HYM more sustainable so that future funding threats won’t damage our position and more and more people to take up musical instruments and benefit from what HYM offers.”
Councillor David Perry, portfolio holder for community and cultural services, and Councillor Keith Ferry, portfolio for planning and regeneration - two members of the Labour cabinet committee behind the budget - met HYM director Mark Gooding and the group's chairman during rehearsals at Hatch End High School in Headstone Lane, Harrow, on Saturday February 2 to discuss the funding agreement.
Mr Gooding said: “Removing the grant completely would inevitably mean that poorer children would miss out. HYM understands the financial pressures the council is under.
“After an unsettling few months, it is a great relief to HYM that we receive the news that Harrow Council will continue its funding. Even with a reduction in its grant, HYM has the chance of survival, while also maintaining its essential character.”
The funding agreement stipulates HYM will either allocate £10,000 of existing reserves to help with its running costs or sufficiently increase its fundraising activities, and will need to review its fees.
Harrow Council is to investigate with the Arts Council England whether it can allocate some of the funding it receives for the Harrow Education Music Hub to HYM.
Mr Perry said: “Having reviewed the situation and taken into account public opinion, I am pleased to be able to reach this agreement.
“By engaging directly with us on this issue, which was part of the budget consultation, HYM have helped to shape our future policy.
“I very much hope that by working together and continuing to build our relationship with Harrow Young Musicians we will be able to help them to become self-sustaining and they will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Harrow Council's budget still needs to be ratified by the full council meeting on February 28.
