Decision details

Lead Member to approve the recommendation to issue a concession contract for delivery of a Music Service for East Sussex.

3.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services regarding a proposed award of a concession contract for the delivery of a music service for the county together with exempt information contained in a later agenda item.

3.2       The Lead Member RESOLVED to –

1)            approve the award of a concession contract to Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival for the delivery of a music service in East Sussex; and

2)            delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services to take any action he considers necessary to give effect to or in consequence of the above recommendation.

Reason

3.3       Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival is a strong candidate for the award of a concession contract to deliver a music service for the county due to its experience providing a similar service for the Brighton & Hove area and the added value it can bring, including its commercial experience and links to the broader cultural sector.

If a contract was not awarded and we continue to deliver a music service directly without the benefit of reducing costs through management and administration efficiencies, the service remains vulnerable to relatively small changes in the financial environment.  A number of alternative options have previously been explored and awarding a concession contract was viewed as the preferred way forward due to some of the challenges posed by the other options.  If we were unable to find a viable alternative it may result in the need to re-consider closing the small group and individual instrumental teaching service, which would incur redundancy costs in the region of £350,000.

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