TEN schools in Newport are to decline to buy tuition from the Gwent Music Support Service following budget cuts.

Newport Council also says that there have been no direct requests for information from schools relating to a much publicised hardship fund.

The response was in answer to questions from senior Newport Tory councillor David Fouweather.

Cllr Fouwearther asked the cabinet member for education and young people Bob Poole how many schools had opted out of having music tutiton supplied by Gwent Music Support Service for the next school year.

A written answer said the final position was not available.

“However, as at the end of term ten Newport schools confirmed they were not buying back any tuition,” Cllr Fouweather was told.

Cllr Fouweather also asked how many schools have approached the council to access the council’s hardship fund. The answer said there had been no direct requests for information.

Cllr Fouweather said: “That’s really disappointing for the children at those schools although I understand why they will be making that decision.”

He said the GMSS cut decision was “meanminded”.

The authority aimed to help the service become selfsufficent.

It said, at the time of the proposals, that the council’s priority was for all children to receive a first-class education.

Newport scrapped its £292,000 budget for the Gwent Music Support Service earlier this year, establishing a £15,000 fund for those who can’t afford fees.

The service, which subsidises children’s music tuition, is also funded by schools in Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen and Monmouthshire councils.