skip to main content

Member Petitions for Glasgow Recording Studios to be in Covid Business Rates Relief Scheme

Members in Glasgow and surrounding areas are encouraged to sign this petition calling on Glasgow City Council to include music studios in the 100% Covid council tax relief awarded to retail, leisure and hospitality.

Published: 04 January 2021 | 5:17 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph a vintage looking recording studio.
“Music studios are facing huge bills for Business Rates from GCC with little or no income to finance this due to Covid.” Photo credit: Shutterstock

A member in Glasgow has started a petition, calling on Glasgow City Council to consider her request for business rates relief.

You can find out more and sign the petition now on the Change.org page.

The member, Lesley O’Brien, has described the need for business rates relief to be extended to music studios:

“Music studios are facing huge bills for Business Rates from GCC with little or no income to finance this due to C. They are paying huge sums of money (for example, £1000 per month!) for a business that has been closed during lockdown and at best when they have been able to open, have had few customers due to Covid restrictions.

“The solution to this problem is to include music studios in the 100% Covid Council Tax relief awarded to retail, leisure and hospitality. This could help stop permanent closure for studios and allow them to continue to service the wider network of musicians survive the pandemic, helping overcome isolation, mental health problems and providing opportunities to employment.”

Sign the petition on Change.org now.

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

Silhouette of an orchestra on a white background.

David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There

Ahead of our October drop-in sessions for members interested in exploring the 10-Point Plan for inclusive recruitment in orchestras, RLPO violinist and MU steward David Rimbault shares his personal reflections on why the sector must act now to remain relevant to both musicians and audiences alike.

Published: 30 September 2025

Read more about David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There
John Williams, playing saxophone.

Tribute to John Williams

John Williams was a baritone saxophonist, composer, and jazz educator. His busy and varied career spanned from the 1960s to the 2000s, and he was a member of the MU for more than 60 years. This tribute was provided by Charlie Rees.

Published: 24 September 2025

Read more about Tribute to John Williams