Thank you, convener. It is nice to be back. I see some familiar faces, and there are some new faces since I was last here.
As the committee will be aware, the issue of instrumental music tuition has been discussed at the COSLA children and young people board, and we have written to the committee on the decisions that have been taken on a cross-party basis by the board. We could no doubt discuss those decisions in more detail this morning, but I thought that, before we go to questions, it would be helpful to give some context to COSLA’s role as a membership organisation and to the financial constraints within which local authorities are working hard to deliver essential services.
COSLA represents the 32 local authorities. As a membership organisation, we represent their views. We cannot tell them what to do or take action to change or rectify what they do. We seek to achieve a consensus of approach while recognising that local authorities will make decisions that are based on a wide range of factors. An absolutely vital element of our approach is that we respect and protect the ability of councils and of elected members to make decisions that are based on local priorities. In seeking political consensus, we work through our various boards, and we have achieved that on many complex issues, from education reform to the expansion of early learning and childcare.
There is a very strong consensus that instrumental music tuition is a valued service that has an important role in education and that, to maintain the service in difficult financial circumstances, retaining the option of charging is crucial. Since 2011-12, core funding to local authorities has been reduced by £1.64 billion in real terms. No local authority makes the decision lightly to introduce—or to increase—charges for any service. However, the financial situation for local authorities continues to be very difficult and, as a consequence, councils have faced difficult decisions about funding.
Our board was absolutely clear that those decisions are the embodiment of local democratic processes and that decision making and accountability for those decisions should rest locally. In the context of respecting local decision making and an extremely challenging financial situation, we are making every effort to ensure that there is access to music tuition for those on the lowest incomes and those who are sitting Scottish Qualifications Authority exams. Through the guidance, we will improve communication between authorities and children, young people and parents on the reasons and rationale for charging and on transparency around decision making. Officers will take forward work on that guidance over the coming weeks, and we will report back to the board in February.
I am happy to take questions from members, and will bring in officers where appropriate.