skip to main content

Changes to Universal Credit Minimum Floor Will Stay in Place

In welcome news for the self-employed, today’s Spending Review from the Government confirms that changes to the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor will stay in place.

Published: 26 November 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 03 May 2022 | 12:12 PM
Blurred stage, there are purple stage lights and the suggestion of musicians, seen as if looking up from the wooden boarded floor at the bottom.
The DWP expect you to be earning in any one month will not be taken into account when your Universal Credit entitlement is calculated. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Today’s spending review set out government spending for the next 12 months. The Comprehensive Spending Review was intended to be three years but faced with the pandemic, the Government decided it was only possible to make credible spending plans for one.

One important point for the self employed is that the Government’s temporary relaxation of the Minimum Income Floor for Universal Credit claims will remain in place.

This means that the amount the DWP expect you to be earning in any one month will not be taken into account when your Universal Credit entitlement is calculated. You can read a more detailed description of how the Minimum Income Floor on Citizens Advice’s website.

Funding for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS)

Without the spending relating to Covid-19, DCMS funding remains pretty much the same with the main spending increases in the department being on broadband infrastructure, reflecting the infrastructure-led recovery priorities from the Government.

Included in this year’s settlement for DCMS is:

  • £150 million on cultural and heritage infrastructure, including through the Cultural Investment Fund and Museums Infrastructure Fund, enabling the development of British Library North and continued investment in the Heritage High Streets programme
  • £100 million of capital investment for DCMS-supported bodies working across culture, heritage, and sports
  • £320 million for galleries and museums
  • £150 million in 2021-22 for upcoming major events, including the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Festival UK and the celebrations for the Queen’s Jubilee.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Kelly sat on stage with the three other panellists, discussing income from touring and live performance.

International Delegates Explore Portfolio Careers and Fair Pay on Day Two of FIM Freelance Conference

At the second and final day of FIM’s International Freelance Conference, MU representatives shared perspectives on portfolio careers, sustainable touring and fairer streaming payments, highlighting the role of unions in supporting freelance musicians.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about International Delegates Explore Portfolio Careers and Fair Pay on Day Two of FIM Freelance Conference
Naomi sat on stage with Allistair Elliott (Canada) and Juho Viljanen (Finland) during the panel event.

MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened the FIM International Freelance Conference in Brighton, hosted by the Musicians' Union, welcoming delegates from around the world and highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing freelance musicians today.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026
The five panellists sat on stage, in purple lighting, with FIM logo behind them.

International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference

Delegates at FIM's International Freelance Conference explored collective bargaining, organising freelance musicians and tackling discrimination, sharing international perspectives on improving working conditions and building a fairer, more inclusive music industry.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference
Person playing acoustic guitar next to a small baby who is smiling.

MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months

The MU Executive Committee has agreed to extend the application period for the parental grant from six months to 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child, making it easier for members to access support when they need it.

Published: 22 October 2026

Read more about MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months
Illustration of a yellow lightbulb with a green leaf inside representing ideas, against a turquoise grey background.

Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action

Can music help tackle the climate crisis? Chris Hutchings, composer and MU Climate Emergency Action Group member, explores how songs can inspire action, build community and help people realise they're part of a much wider movement for change.

Published: 19 October 2026

Read more about Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action