Financial Support for the Music and Dance Scheme
Tabled 3 February 2026 by Charlotte Cane
That this House notes the vital contribution of the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) in enabling talented young people from all backgrounds to access world-class specialist training in music and dance; further notes that MDS providers have historically operated under multi-year funding settlements, enabling them to plan staffing, outreach programmes and bursary support with stability and confidence; expresses concern that current Government commitments extend only to the 2025–26 academic year, leaving specialist schools and Centres for Advanced Training facing financial uncertainty; recognises that the lack of a multi-year settlement risks limiting access for talented pupils and undermining the long-term sustainability of nationally significant cultural institutions; and calls on the Government to return to a multi-year funding model for the MDS to ensure continuity, equitable access, and the future health of the UK’s cultural and creative sectors.
Signatories (21)
- Charlotte Cane Sponsor
- Wera Hobhouse
- Pippa Heylings
- Jim Shannon
- Sarah Olney
- Gideon Amos
- Edward Morello
- Zöe Franklin
- Tom Morrison
- Andrew George
- Dr Al Pinkerton
- Wendy Chamberlain
- Sarah Dyke
- Clive Jones
- Siân Berry
- Mr Lee Dillon
- Freddie van Mierlo
- Mr Angus MacDonald
- Munira Wilson
- Max Wilkinson
- Josh Babarinde