U.K. Grassroots Music Venues to Receive Vital Tax Cut in New PM’s Latest Move
Categoria: Musica
The 20% cut on business rates will come into action in April 2027.
Por Billboard | 23/07/2026
The U.K.’s grassroots music scene has received a major boost as it is set to receive a crucial tax cut from April 2027. On Thursday (July 23) Andy Burnham , the U.K.’s new prime minister , announced a 20% cut on business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues. Related Andy Burnham is the U.K.’s New Prime Minister — Here’s What the Music Industry Needs From Him Desiigner Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge in South Carolina DJ Quik Says His Son 'Made a Mistake' Following Murder Conviction, Pleads With Fans to Stop Asking About It Writing on his X account, Burnham said, “I won’t stand by while these cherished local spaces disappear, replaced by boarded-up windows and ‘For Sale’ signs. They’re the heart of our communities and it’s time we backed them.” Business rates are charged on most non-domestic properties such as shops, offices, pubs and holiday rental homes. The final sum varies depending on the property’s location and the property estimated market rental value. No. 10 Downing Street, the PM’s office, estimates that the rate cut could save each venue in the region of £1,000 each. The cut will be funded, No. 10 says, by reviewing reliefs for businesses that “do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops” (via BBC ). The news has been welcomed by industry stakeholders at a time of peril for grassroots music venues across the U.K. In January, the Music Venue Trust reported that 53% of all grassroots music venues were unable to turn a profit in 2025, and that over 6,000 jobs were lost in the sector, a 19% contraction in the overall workforce. A number of big names including Harry Styles , Coldplay , Sam Fender and more have all shown support for the scene by voluntarily pledging a portion of ticket proceeds (£1 for every ticket sold) to supporting these spaces. The Labour government has discussed a mandatory ticket levy on arena or stadium shows to help support these spaces. Burnham assumed the role of prime minister on Monday (July 20) following the resignation of his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer. Burnham most recently held the role of mayor of Greater Manchester and played a key role in bringing the 2026 BRIT Awards to the city, the first time the ceremony had been held outside of London. Speaking on the announcement, the MVT’s CEO Mark Davyd said, “MVT warmly welcomes this announcement from the government, and its recognition that grassroots music venues are essential to our local communities. The 20% additional reduction on business rates from April 2027 is an encouraging first step in a range of opportunities available to Andy Burnham’s new team to not just protect and secure live music, but begin to restore its central role at the heart of our towns and cities.” He added, “There remain some issues of implementation of previous reliefs, and we will work with colleagues in government to ensure that all grassroots music venues in England are recognised and eligible. We