skip to main content

MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

Whilst the budget announcement did offer a welcome extension to the orchestras tax relief and business rate relief for venues, the choice not to take forward further music tax incentives and the hike in VAT could have a negative impact on the sector.

Published: 28 October 2021 | 11:34 AM
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer holds up his red suitcase outside 10 Downing Street
We also ask that the DCMS ensures that any new money actively benefits musicians and other workers through Arts Council grants or similar. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak delivered his Budget this week with headlines including a rise in the living wage and extra funding for the NHS.

There was also a welcome extension of the orchestras tax relief and business rate relief for venues. Tax relief for touring theatre productions has also increased to 50% from 45%.

The MU agrees with UK Music, however, that the Chancellor “missed an opportunity to not take forward further music tax incentives to help boost jobs and economic growth.” Hikes in VAT from next April could also have a negative impact on live events.

The Chancellor also announced a ‘real terms’ rise in spending for all Government departments. The Labour Party have responded to this by asking the Government to clarify how much of this represents new funding, as it appears that much of it amounts to recycled money that had already been announced.

We also ask that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport ensures that any new money actively benefits musicians and other workers through Arts Council grants or similar, since rate reliefs are welcome but primarily benefit employers.

#KeepMusicLive

Can a UBI keep music live?

The idea of a universal basic income has been around for centuries. Now, the MU and many others believe its time has come.

Can a UBI keep music live?

Continue reading

John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance