A SENIOR council officer has hit out at a ‘misinformation’ campaign around the transfer of instrumental music tuition to East Ayrshire Leisure Trust.
The move is just a part of a wider shake up of services in leisure review, that will see more than 100 posts in Corporate Catering, Vibrant Communities and the music tuition, move to the trust.
Teaching union, EiS, have opposed the move, while other objectors claim that there has been a lack of consultation, that the financial viability of the programme under the leisure trust is at risk, and the belief that pupils would be best served by tuition continuing under the council’s own education department.
However, East Ayrshire Council has insisted that there will be no changes to the service provided, adding that the future of the music tuition service, which is non-statutory, was at risk if no action is taken.
The council agreed to endorse the proposals in June, on the condition that ‘meaningful consultation’ was carried out with the unions, stakeholders and employees.
READ MORE: East Ayrshire music services to be transferred despite protest
Deputy Chief Executive Richard Grierson said that the review reaffirmed the council’s position, particularly in regard to the financial pressures on the council and the need to find ‘innovative and creative’ ways to deliver services.
He said that the council engaged, formally and informally, with staff across all affected services.
While unions representing employees in other services being transferred to the trust, including catering and Vibrant Communities, have worked with East Ayrshire Council, teaching union EiS has remained opposed.
He continued: “Officers have been consistent in our consultation with all parties that these proposals do not impact on the frontline services being delivered to our communities in any way.
“During the engagement sessions it became clear that staff were seeking assurances regarding the sustainability of the trust.
“East Ayrshire Leisure Trust held sessions with staff specific to this area and feedback from these sessions was incredibly helpful and to a large degree provided assurance.
“There is no impact in relation to relevant staff as employees will be subject to TUPE legislation and no change to service provision.”
He added: “I have to say that I’m deeply disappointed with the inaccurate information being shared with our young people suggesting that, should you approve the recommendations, their music tuition will be removed.
“As you know this is totally inaccurate”
SNP Councillor Elaine Cowan said: “There has been some public criticism of this proposal, especially the transfer to the trust, when it’s been stated it’s a loss making organization.
“Again, there has been some comments where people think this move will dilute or devalue the music tuition in East Ayrshire.”
“Indeed that the organization has sat with significant balances that it simply would not be possible if it were operating at the suggested annual loss as has been presented.
Chief Financial Officer, Joe McLachlan, told councillors that EAL was in a better financial position than those in other authorities, having made a surplus for the last four years.
Anneke Freel, who heads East Ayrshire Leisure, said that a ‘shared vision’ was important and that this would be developed with others once approval had been given.
READ MORE: Brass band flash mob protests in East Ayrshire over music cuts
She said that the aim was to ensure the services being transferred to the trust would become core services without the reliance on external funding.
She added: “I’d also like to make sure that we’ve got an organisation that meets the needs of the community but also supports our young leaders coming through and letting them see the opportunities to be part of a future that is all about growth and development.
Labour councillor Peter Mabon expressed his concerns about the opposition of the EiS.
He said: “I’m quite concerned that the trade unions aren’t getting on board with us, that they are opposed to this.
“They seem quite determined that this is just the start of their battle and they will continue to oppose us in other ways.”
He said that one EiS representative had complained around the lack of equality impact assessment, the consultations being held during the day where workers would find attending more difficult.
“I’m concerned that the trade unions aren’t with us on this and I don’t know if there’s any other way or if the consultation has been done to death. I would rather see them on board with us,” he added.
Mr Grierson pointed out that the other unions representing the other services set to be transferred to the leisure trust had initially been sceptical about the transfers but had become more positive during the engagement process.
SNP councillor Clare Maitland acknowledged the protests around the move, but said: “We saw how passionate people are when they think they’re losing a service, but I want them to understand they are not losing this service.
“In fact we are protecting this service going into the future.”
The proposal was approved by council.
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