Access to Music and Dance Training
2026-06-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the importance of the music and dance scheme for local schools in her constituency, specifically Wells Cathedral School.
What steps she is taking to help ensure that children from less privileged backgrounds can access music and dance training. Wells Cathedral school has 80 young people on the music and dance scheme, with a cleaner paying £200 a year for what is typically a £50,000 education. There has been a 10-year drift between inflation and funding.
The Government funds music and dance schemes adequately, including an increase of £36.5 million last year and further £1.3 million for the current financial year.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific request for review was not addressed; only general commitment mentioned without timeline or details.
Funding Adequately
Difficult Financial Circumstances
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the importance of the music and dance scheme for local schools in her constituency, specifically Wells Cathedral School.
Can the Secretary of State have another look at this issue to make absolutely certain that pupils benefit from better funding? There has been a 10-year drift between inflation and the amount of money the scheme receives.
The hon. Lady is thanked for her tribute to Alastair Tighe and the commitment to support such schemes adequately, despite difficult financial circumstances; £36.5 million was committed last year with an increase of £1.3 million.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific request for review was not addressed; only general commitment mentioned without timeline or details.
Funding Adequately
Difficult Financial Circumstances
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the importance of musical theatre and dance in her constituency, specifically mentioning Kristian Thomas Company.
What financial support is given to organisations such as KTC so that they can continue offering valuable education in the arts for all young people in North West Leicestershire?
The Government has invested £425 million in the creative foundations fund to support arts venues, recognising that it is not just about bursaries but also about institutions existing in every part of the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific request for details on financial support was not addressed; only general commitment mentioned without figures or timeline.
Supporting Arts Venues
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the VAT changes that affect specialist schools and conservatoires, making it difficult for talented young performers from lower-income backgrounds.
What assessment has the Department made of the number of families paying VAT on remaining fees, and how many talented young artists are now unable to attend as a result? Could the Secretary of State confirm that bursaries will continue in the 2026-27 academic year?
The bursaries will continue in the 2026-27 academic year, and funding has been increased to £36.5 million last year with an additional £1.3 million for this financial year.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific request for assessment not addressed; only confirmation of continuation without figures or timeline provided.
Confirmation Of Continuation
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP congratulated Sam Ashford and the Livewire theatre on their 25 years of supporting young people in music, dance, and theatre.
Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating Sam Ashford and the Livewire theatre on its 25 years of support for young people? I pay particular tribute to the work done remotely during covid.
Of course, I will join in congratulating Sam Ashford and the Livewire Theatre on its 25 years of support and acknowledging the work done remotely during covid.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy