Pembrokeshire County Council’s music service has been given a target of making £75,000 worth of savings over the next financial year.

A report on how the authority proposes to make these savings is due to be put before members of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee today, Monday, November 10.

The director for children and schools, Jake Morgan, states that in the previous financial year, the music service managed to meet target efficiencies of £75,000 through re-timetabling and an audit of travel expenses and pupil/school demand for particular instruments, which resulted in staffing reductions and a reduction of travel time and costs.

In 2015-16 is it proposed to make £75,000 of savings through an increase in the hourly rate and charging parents to attend county ensembles on Friday evenings, which to date have been free.

In his report, Jake Morgan said: “At present, there is no anticipated impact on the delivery of the service, the level of pupil participation, or pupil access to the provision.”

He added: “Pembrokeshire County Council’s Music Service is committed to supporting and enhancing the work of schools in bringing the experience and enjoyment of music making to the young people of the county.”

The department employs 10 full-time music teachers, 11 part-time teachers, a head of the music service and a full-time administrator.

Each week, 2,500 pupils receive an individual or small group lesson on an instrument or voice.