B

Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie (Con)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 28 January 2026

Debate

Schools: Music and Dance Scheme

Contribution

My Lords, I declare an interest as an alumna of one of the music and dance schools. I do not doubt the Minister’s commitment to the long-term effectiveness of the music and dance scheme. But is it not the wrong department that we are talking to? The schools say that they need a £36 million uplift for this year, and it is the Treasury that has caused the uplift in costs. They are classed as independent schools, so they are paying VAT on fees. Any uplift that the Department for Education has been able to give has only offset that uplift; it has not increased the viability of the schools. Can the Minister explain what the Treasury will do to ensure the survival of the schools this year as well as in future years?

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