CHILD welfare experts insist Clackmannanshire Council should have “properly and meaningfully” considered the views of young people before increasing instrumental music tuition charges in this year’s budget.

The office of the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland (CYCPS) highlighted two articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognise youngsters’ rights to education that is directed toward the development of their talents to the fullest potential and with equal opportunities.

Nick Hobbs, head of advice and investigations at CYPCS, said: “The UK has signed up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognises children’s rights to take part in cultural life and the arts.

“The convention also says that children and young people’s voices must be heard on decisions that affect them.

“The council should have properly and meaningfully considered the views of children and young people before making a final decision on this matter.

“We understand that local authorities have to make difficult decisions about the best use of resources.

“This is why we urged the council to carry out a Children’s Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) to ensure that children’s rights are embedded in the decision making process.”

While not a legal requirement, the Advertiser understands a CRIA was not carried out, with no Equalities Impact Assessment done ahead of the budget being set either.

However, the local authority said pupils preparing for SQA music exams will still receive free tuition and concessionary rates remain unchanged.

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council told the Advertiser: “The equalities impact screening for budget and other policy decisions reported that this change did not negatively impact on any disadvantaged group.

“Only five per cent of children in Clackmannanshire schools accessed the extra curriculum music tuition service, whereas all children will continue to receive music as part of the normal curriculum.

“Pupils undertaking SQA music exams will continue to receive free music tuition fully funded by the Council.

“The concessionary rate remains unchanged.”

The assessments consider whether groups of people or individuals with “protected characteristics” like age, sex, disability, race or sexual orientation will be adversely impacted on by council policies.

Economic status is not on the list.

Nevertheless, one passionate local parent is determined to fight the council’s decision on every corner and is urging locals to sign a petition to Holyrood,

Dollar parent Andrew Dodd is calling on the Scottish Parliament to enshrine in legislation the right to free musical instrument tuition in state schools.

She told the Advertiser: “I do feel very passionately about this and will explore every avenue I can to get the council to consider reversing its current decision, which I believe will have a detrimental effect on a lot of children now and longer term on the viability of music in the wider curriculum in Clackmannanshire schools.

"The benefits of music are so far reaching: increasing attainment and wellbeing for children throughout their time in school and across a broad range of subjects.

"It's not just about making professional musicians."

For more, visit parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01694 for the petition or search for the reference number PE01694.