The Music Venue Trust is urging gig goers to buy their tickets now. Image credit: Shutterstock.
On 14 March UK Music wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP to highlight concerns of member organisations, including The MU.
In anticipation of the forthcoming Spring 2022 forecast statement, the letter asks the Government to consider a number of measures that would aid the UK’s music scene in its financial recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The letter highlights 6 key areas:
- Abandon plans to raise VAT on live tickets
- Extend Business Rate Relief for music spaces
- Transitional Support Fund for EU touring
- Enhance Music Export Funding and Support
- Fiscal Incentives Through Tax Relief
- Recovery funds for freelancers
VAT increase
During the pandemic the Government lowered VAT on live events to 12.5%, but this is set to increase to 20% again from 1 April. UK Music state that maintaining VAT at its current level will help to ensure that profit from sales can be reinvested in productions, to pay debts and keep the price of tickets down. This is especially relevant given the current cost of living concerns many are facing.
Buy tickets now
In light of the VAT changes after 31 March, and as part of its #HackTheVAT campaign the Music Venue Trust is urging gig goers to buy their tickets now, so that venues get the most out of Government support.
You can read more about the steps taken by UK Music, including the letter issued to the Treasury via their site here.