British Members of Parliament (MPs) are calling for a levy on arena and stadium concert tickets to raise funds for struggling grassroots music venues. This proposal aims to address the rising costs and closure threats jeopardizing these vital hubs for emerging artists and the lifeblood of the UK’s music scene.
The initiative stems from a cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry. Committee Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage emphasizes the crucial role of grassroots venues, highlighting that their closure would threaten the UK’s position as a global music leader.
The report proposes a two-pronged approach:
- Voluntary Arena Concert Levy: This initial phase would see a voluntary levy on arena and stadium tickets. The collected funds would be directed towards a support fund for struggling grassroots venues, artists, and promoters.
- Potential Statutory Levy: If the voluntary approach proves insufficient by September 2024, the committee recommends the government implement a mandatory levy.
Preserving Affordability
A crucial aspect of the proposal is ensuring music fans aren’t burdened. The levy would be incorporated into the existing ticket price, maintaining affordability for concertgoers.
Industry Reaction
While commending the initiative, industry leaders like David Martin (Featured Artists Coalition) and Annabella Coldrick (Music Managers Forum) stressed the urgency of the situation, advocating for a mandatory levy due to the limited time frame.
Grassroots Movement Gains Momentum
The inquiry was prompted by the Music Venue Trust (MVT), a charity dedicated to supporting small venues. This initiative follows a year of closures, including the historic Moles venue in Bath.
The report incorporates data and testimonials from independent venues across the UK, highlighting their shared challenges: high rent, rising energy costs, and limited profit margins from ticket sales.
Call to Action (MPs Arena Concert Levy)
Mark Davyd, MVT CEO, emphasizes the value of targeted solutions like temporary VAT cuts for smaller venues, benefiting the entire music ecosystem. Both Davyd and Jon Collins (Live, music industry umbrella body) applauded the committee’s support and urged the government to act on the report’s recommendations.
With a general election looming, Davyd hopes these proposals gain traction across party lines. He emphasizes the non-political nature of this issue, focusing on preserving cultural access and creativity in communities. These venues, he argues, are “inspiring spaces” worth saving, regardless of political ideology.
This revised version incorporates the keyphrase “MPs call for levy on arena concert” throughout the text. The title, focus keyphrase, and meta description have also been adjusted to reflect this change.