Education officers have pledged to review a controversial 85% increase to the cost of music lessons at Moray schools.
The huge rise to an annual charge of £699 was proposed by the council’s administration to help generate extra cash to balance the books.
However, fears have been raised that the move could instead make the authority’s perilous financial position even worse by sparking an exodus of pupils taking classes in favour of cheaper private lessons.
The council’s head of instrumental instruction service, John Mustard, quit his post in principal following 30 years of service following the decision – fearing the new price would prove unaffordable for many in the region.
Now Vivienne Cross, the authority’s head of schools and curriculum, has confirmed that the increase will be reviewed ahead of final budget talks at the end of the month.
Sonya Warren, chairwoman of the council’s children and young people’s committee, said: “The unfortunate position where music instruction is not a statutory service that we have to provide at no cost – it would be brilliant if it was.
“We are looking at every opportunity to change what we have got in Moray. We have had staff shortages as well, which has been an issue, but everything is being looked at.”
The decision to almost double the annual fee for music lessons provoked a huge outcry from members of the public.
An online petition urging the council to drop the increase has now been supported by nearly 1,700 people.
Yesterday, Forres councillor Claire Feaver raised fresh concerns about the service after it was revealed that income was £30,000 lower than expected this year ahead of a possible “downturn” due to the fee rise.
Mrs Cross said lessons had been hit due to two instructors being off sick during the year.
Meanwhile, Speyside Glenlivet councillor Derek Ross, who is a former teacher, welcomed the decision to review the increase to the charges.
He said: “No service in education should be determined on an ability to pay.”