skip to main content

Help Us Make the Case Against HE Funding Cuts by Taking our Flash Survey

Take action now against the Government’s plans to impose a catastrophic 50% cut in funding for higher education in England – take our brief survey and use your story to speak out.

Published: 21 May 2021 | 2:26 PM
A woman sat outside is writing into a notebook, she is wearing earphones and a facemask and looking into the distance.
The information you give will be used to protect HE funding from these cuts in campaign and lobbying communications. Photo credit: Disabled and Here / Justin Katigbak

People across the creative industries are speaking out about Gavin Williamson’s plans to impose a catastrophic 50% cut to Government funding for higher education (HE) music and arts subjects in England.

We all know what this funding cut will mean for students, universities, and the future of the UK’s £102 bn creative industries.

Help us make the case to the Government. Share your story by filling in our flash survey.

What to expect

The survey has three main parts:

  • A few questions so that we can get useful statistics to use as evidence
  • Space for you to share your thoughts on and experiences of music and arts subjects at HE level
  • Optional equality, diversity and inclusion monitoring questions.

It is likely to take about three to five minutes to complete.

Please only fill in the survey if you are based in, work in, or study in England. This is because Gavin Williamson’s proposed 50% cut to Government funding will affect HE institutions in England only.

Forms and surveys aren’t the most exciting, but they really do help

The information you give will be used to protect HE funding from these cuts in campaign and lobbying communications such as MP briefings, letters to Ministers, social media content, and press releases.

Take the survey now.

Be sure your voice is heard. Email your MP and write to the Secretary of State for Education using our template letters. Find out how in our campaign hub.

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

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Read more about UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act
A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza
A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music