Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, has announced today at the Music Venue Trust’s ‘Venue Day 2015’ conference that Labour will develop a new package of measures to help support small music venues, as part of Labour’s review of investment in the arts and culture.  This will include: 

1. Protecting small music venues through the adoption of the “Agent of Change” principle;

2. Looking at Government subsidies for the arts being given directly to small music venues; 

3. Reviewing whether tax breaks should be given to small music venues, like the Government has implemented for orchestras and the film industry;

4. Considering whether small music venues should be allowed to pay reduced business rates;

5. Supporting small music venues by boosting tourism around our musical heritage.

Speaking at the Venue Day 2015 conference, Michael Dugher MP, the Shadow Culture Secretary, said:  

“Since 2010, the Conservative Government have just stood by whilst more and more grassroots music venues have been forced to close. 

“Small music venues play a key role in the success of the UK creative industry through enabling great young talent to grow and develop into our next global stars.  But there is a real crisis at the moment and that’s why we need a national strategy to support small music venues before many more shut. 

“As part of Labour’s review of investment in the arts and culture, Labour will be developing a new package of measures to help support small music venues.  It’s time to see urgent action before it’s too late.”

ENDS 

Notes 

·   Of the 430 music venues that traded in London between 2007 and 2015, only 245 are still open. (Music Venue Trust -  http://musicvenuetrust.com/2015/09/final-encore-for-uks-live-music-venues-as-noise-rules-lead-to-closures/)

·   Under the Agent of Change principle, an apartment block to be built near an established live music venue would have to pay for soundproofing, while a live music venue opening in a residential area would be responsible for the costs.  A resident who moves next door to a music venue would be assessed as having made that decision understanding that there’s going to be some music noise. 

·   The Agent of Change principle has already been implemented in Australia and the outcome has been improved planning; venues working alongside their communities to manage their noise when it changes and developers making better residences that are fit for purpose.