A number of constituents have been in touch regarding their concerns over how changes to the way pensions work might have an effect on the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT).
NMPAT traded as the former Local Authority Music Service for 40 years, until 2012 when it was established as an Independent Charitable Company. In May 2012 it was designated as the government’s “Music and Education Hub” Lead for Northamptonshire (and later Rutland).
Through their award winning music and drama groups, lessons in schools, Saturday music and performing arts centres, and three NMPAT contemporary centres and venues around the county, it is estimated that NMPAT interact with 52,000 children every year and they have a wonderful impact on young lives.
I had a meeting recently with Peter Smalley, the Chief Executive of NMPAT, to discuss his concerns regarding how the trust might cope with these national funding changes to pension contributions. Peter is campaigning for the government to continue supporting NMPAT and other music education hubs like it by reinstating the grant funding which NMPAT receive.
I am currently exploring further options to assist those at NMPAT with their concerns and will hopefully have further updates in due course.
I am sure that many of my constituents will have children currently receiving music tuition or who may well be involved with a NMPAT County Orchestra. I have personally attended concerts over the years that NMPAT have held at the Derngate and I would greatly recommend any parent whose child in interested in learning a musical instrument to contact them.
(Photo: Sir Michael Ellis MP with Peter Smalley, Chief Executive of NMPAT, in Kettering Road, Northampton.)