UK Music has given a cautious welcome to the Budget measures outlined today (March 8) which are set to limit some of the harmful effects of business rate rises. It has, however, called for greater clarity about the potential impact on live music venues, particularly concerning how small and grassroots venues will be affected by the overhaul in business rates.

UK Music wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the weekend on behalf of the UK Live Music Group to call for extra measures to mitigate the harmful effects on culture and creativity in communities. 

“UK Music welcomes the commitment to wider reform of business rates before the next revaluation and the pledge to establish the discretionary relief fund," said UK Music chief executive Jo Dipple. "But the Government must set out the exact formula for this relief and the timeframe for rate reform at the earliest opportunity to give confidence to music businesses affected by rate increases. A discount for pubs is potentially good news, but it is unclear as to whether this will apply to music venues too. We seek assurances from the Government that this will indeed help out the hardest-hit music venues.”

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