Live venues are warning of closures and rising prices under the new business plan
Britain’s live events industry has issued a stark warning to the Prime Minister, urging an urgent review of the government’s new pricing scheme for businesses threatened by a period of panic, job losses and high ticket prices across the country.
In a strongly worded letter sent to NO 10, the top figures in the sector say the changes revealed in the budget – including the high reimbursement of the Agency Agency (VOA) and the high business renewal rates of the major event areas – can be “destroying, unintentional results” of the cultural economy.
They warned that the combined effect of the unprecedented rate increases and the high tax costs “undermine the priorities of the government”, despite the measures to help the budget and the low frequency of small buildings of small buildings.
This book paints a blooming picture of music and entertainment spaces at all levels. Hundreds of venues for Grassroots music, Recateralpads for artists such as Ed Sheeran – could be forced to close as rising business prices make the weak unattractive.
“These places are where artists like Ed Sheeran started their careers,” the signatories wrote. “Their loss will diminish communities of vital cultural spaces and balance the power of the UK’s creative sector.”
The warnings extend to the UK’s major platforms, many of which are facing business price hikes of more than 100%. Operators say these extra costs will be passed on to consumers, pushing ticket prices higher at a time when the government has vowed to tackle the cost of living crisis.
“Ticket prices for Arena shows will increase,” the letter said. “A surprise increase in the cost of taxes may be dependent on consumers.”
Small ‘Brink’ arenas
Central areas – often the cultural heart of regional towns and cities – are also at risk. The sector fears that the dramatic concentration of jumps could push many to the brink of closure, causing thousands of job losses and depriving local communities of the vibrant cultural hubs that drive high street activity.
“These changes will reduce visitor spending that supports local hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and taxis,” the letter said. “They will release cultural spaces that help in thriving areas.”
The industry says that changes conflict with the government’s growth plans
Industry leaders have also accused the Government of undermining their industrial strategy and creative sector plan, which clearly agrees to reduce barriers to the growth of live events. Instead, they argue, the new business rates in the burghers are putting at risk some of the UK’s most dynamic industries.
The sector is looking at 40% rates of emergency relief and conversion
The letter calls on pastors to take two immediate actions:
• Introducing 40% business discount on all live locations.
Film studios have already been granted this level of support until 2034, and live events show that the areas – classified as “critical creative infrastructure” – deserve the same protection.
• Lead an urgent investigation into VOA’s rating methods for event spaces, which providers say are “unique, inappropriate and inappropriate and unrealistic”.
Finally, the industry asked for an urgent round with HM Treasury, the Ministry of Sports, the media and the ministry, and the ministry of business and trade to develop the plan “before the start.
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