Music sector calls for support ahead of Budget

UK Music is urging Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to outline new support for the music sector as part of next week’s Budget.

The body has sent a letter to Hunt calling for the government to adopt an eight-point plan that aims to boost jobs and growth in the industry.

The plan includes calls for more support to venues, studios and music spaces hit by soaring energy bills, VAT on live events to be cut and business rates on live music venues and studios to be reduced.

It also calls for an extension to the 50% uplift of the Orchestra Tax Relief and a transitional support package to assist with the costs of touring in Europe post-Brexit.

UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin says the without the right measures, there will be a real threat to the talent pipeline.

“The eight-point plan that UK Music and our members have drawn up spells out the huge opportunity the Chancellor has to help us drive jobs and growth and continue the success story of UK music,” he added.

The Chancellor's Budget will be announced on 15 March.