PLANS are afoot to privatise music tuition in schools across the borough.

Under new proposals schoolchildren could be taught how to play instruments by an independent music charity, if councillors agree to its formation.

Swindon Music Trust, an independent music charity limited by guarantee, would be responsible for the tuition, effectively taking control of music provision out of the council's hands.

Garry Perkins (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) and the council's lead member for education, said: "Currently the Music Co-operative, who are self-employed teachers paid for by parents, run music provision.

"The cabinet decided to set up a working party to look at the formation of a trust and this will be discussed again tomorrow. There is a similar operation in Reading and that works exceptionally well, I am given to understand.

"This trust would mean that music is taught at arms' length of the council. As the major customers here are the children, the council has to have some control over the standard of service the trust gives.

"The question is how can the council monitor it."

It is hoped that by creating a single trust, which is responsible for its own operations including applying for grants and other financial aid, the quality of service to schools across the borough will improve.

The council took control of the music service in 1997, but it soon became clear it was difficult to compete with private tutors.

The co-operative was grant-aided to provide tuition in schools through a panel of self-employed teachers while Swindon Young Musicians, the borough's instrumental hire scheme and music advisory service, stayed within the education department.

Labour leader Kevin Small (Western) said: "I would prefer if the service is kept as one that is provided by the council.

"But for the long-term viability of music provision I will reluctantly and pragmatically have to support the formation of a music trust."

Since 1998 the cost of tuition has fallen from £27.50 per hour to £19 with the result that tuition has grown from 7,500 hours per year to 14,000 hours.

The plans will be discussed at the council's cabinet meeting tomorrow from 6pm in the Civic Offices.

What do you think abut the proposals? Does your child receive music tuition in the borough? Contact Giles Sheldrick on 01793 528144 ext 249