Regular readers of my updates may remember that I recently met Peter Smalley, the CEO of the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) to discuss how changes to funding grants for the Teacher’s Pension Scheme will affect NMPAT and music hubs up and down the country.
Following on from this meeting, I was able to secure around 45 minutes of debate time in the chamber of the House of Commons so that I could specifically raise this important matter direct with the Minister for Education, Damian Hinds MP. I invited Peter Smalley to come to Parliament to watch the debate from the viewing gallery above the House of Commons chamber.
There are concerns about the funding of NMPAT and other music hubs around the country because of changes to the pension arrangements, whilst employer contributions have been increasing.
This government has made an important and valuable commitment to a vision of enabling all children and young people to learn how to sing, play an instrument, and have the opportunity to progress musical interests and talents, including professionally. I used my speech to encourage the Minister to carry on this important work and continue to provide funding grants for music hubs.
I was also pleased that I was joined by many of the other MPs for Northamptonshire to support NMPAT, in a debate the Minister described as “unusually well attended.”
You can view the full debate via this link: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/77605710-677b-4d91-96e2-5f40ba4a06ea?in=18:15:31
(Sir Michael Ellis MP speaking in the House of Commons during the Music Education debate)