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Govt Taxing Musician Aid: Live Music Sector Outraged
29 Jun
Summary
- Government collected over £1 million in VAT from ticket contributions.
- These contributions fund grassroots musicians and venues.
- Industry calls for VAT exemption or refund on pledged funds.
The UK government has collected over £1 million in VAT from ticket contributions since last year, prompting urgent calls from music venue bosses to return these funds. These contributions, often a £1 pledge per ticket, are designated for supporting grassroots musicians, venues, and festivals. Major artists, including Harry Styles, have helped raise significant amounts through this initiative.
The live music sector faces ongoing financial pressure, with artists scaling back tours and venues collapsing. The collected VAT represents a 20% cut from the total contributions, hindering their intended impact. Industry group Live (Live music Industry Venues and Entertainment) is actively discussing this issue with government departments.
Live Trust, which distributes these funds, has called for 100% of every £1 pledged to reach the grassroots sector. They propose either exempting these contributions from VAT or providing a matched refund, pointing to a 2014 VAT exemption for Band Aid's anniversary single as a precedent for such action.
