Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Live Events Ticketing Resale and Pricing Practices 2025-01-13

13 January 2025 · 11 other contributors

Opened by The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism Chris Bryant Lab Labour

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism Chris Bryant raised concerns about live events ticketing resale and pricing practices 2025-01-13 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Government published a consultation on the resale of live event tickets and a call for evidence on pricing practices.
  • The consultation aims to address issues such as scalping and unfair pricing in the live events sector.
  • UK's live events sector employs over 200,000 people and contributes significantly to local economies.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism Chris Bryant

Today I am making a statement about ticketing in the live events sector, addressing issues such as scalping and unfair pricing practices. The Government have published a consultation on the resale of live event tickets and a call for evidence on pricing practices. This is not a consultation on whether to act but how to do so effectively. The UK's live events sector employs over 200,000 people and contributes significantly to local economies. However, too many fans are missing out due to the non-functioning ticket market, where tickets are often resold at vastly inflated prices. The Government will put fans back at the heart of live events by clamping down on unfair practices. We will revisit recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority's 2021 report, including a licensing regime for resale platforms, limits on the number of tickets individual resellers can list, and requirements to ensure ticket information accuracy. We are also considering a statutory price cap on ticket resales to prohibit resale at inflated prices. The consultation will be open for 12 weeks, after which we will decide on next steps.

Other contributors (11)
  • Chris Bryant Lab

    Question

    Responded directly to Saqib Bhatti's criticism, questioning his credibility given his past involvement in similar issues under previous governments.

    Minister reply

    He challenged the shadow Minister’s assertion that everything was perfect during his tenure as a Minister, suggesting that current policies are needed due to ongoing problems.

  • Ian Sollom LD St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire

    Question

    Welcoming the Government's next steps to tackle unfair practices in the live events sector, I ask for greater clarity on the intentions behind the consultation. What cap will be proposed, if any, and what new enforcement powers will be granted to trading standards or the CMA? Additionally, will there be a licensing regime, and when can fans expect changes?

    Minister reply

    The hon. Member correctly identifies the need for accurate pricing information, which could potentially be mandated by existing legislation but poorly enforced. The Government is considering measures such as price transparency requirements and enforcement mechanisms to combat ticket touts and inflated prices on secondary markets.

  • Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton

    Question

    Welcoming the statement, I ask my hon. Friend to confirm that he will resist arguments for over-regulation from Conservative Members and ensure a cap is implemented for consumer protection. Will there be support for dynamic pricing if it benefits consumers?

    Minister reply

    I appreciate my hon. Friend's efforts on her private Member’s Bill and commend her for pressing the issue forward despite initial resistance. The Government supports early-bird tickets as an example of beneficial dynamic pricing, ensuring that this form remains permissible while tackling unfair practices.

  • Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport

    Question

    Welcoming the consultation on resale issues but noting its silence on dynamic pricing, I ask if decisive action against touting could reduce promoters' reliance on dynamic pricing as a tool to combat ticket touts.

    Minister reply

    The hon. Member raises an important point regarding the interplay between tackling large-scale touting and reducing reliance on dynamic pricing by promoters. The Government aims to ensure that legislation is well-considered through consultation before implementation.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    What measures will the Minister take to enforce the cap on ticket sales and prevent underground operations such as using websites like eBay?

    Minister reply

    The consultation covers several elements, including how many tickets an individual can purchase. The legislation is not clear enough in some areas, requiring rationalisation. We must keep ahead of touts' attempts to circumvent new regulations.

  • Emma Foody Lab Co-op Cramlington and Killingworth

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that actions such as this consultation are essential for extending access to culture for real fans?

    Minister reply

    Yes, I do. The consultation is a step forward in ensuring affordability and accessibility of live music events.

  • Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire

    Question

    Can the Minister provide more information on the proposals concerning dynamic pricing, which has been causing issues for music fans?

    Minister reply

    We are launching a call for evidence regarding dynamic pricing as it is an area that requires careful consideration. The Government will be open to discussions with stakeholders who have ideas about how to address this issue.

  • Anneliese Midgley Lab Knowsley

    Question

    Will the Minister's call for evidence on dynamic pricing lead to real action so that fans are no longer ripped off by surge pricing?

    Minister reply

    The process of buying a ticket should be fair, open and transparent. We want people to feel they have got a sane deal rather than being ripped off.

  • Iqbal Mohamed Ind Dewsbury and Batley

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that there is a need for transparent pricing, including service fees, so that consumers can see a breakdown before they buy tickets?

    Minister reply

    Yes, I agree with the hon. Gentleman about the fees issue. We are consulting on this specific issue.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    How will the Minister ensure that ticket sellers and event organisers comply with proposed consumer protection laws, especially those requiring transparency in pricing?

    Minister reply

    One of my anxieties is that there have not been many prosecutions due to complicated laws or budget cuts affecting trading standards departments. We aim to bring in legislation that stands up for consumers.

Shadow Comment

Saqib Bhatti

The shadow Minister warned that new regulations should only be introduced if necessary and proportionate. He argued against a price cap on resale tickets, stating it would lead to an upsurge in black market activity and leave fans with no consumer protections. The Computer and Communications Industry Association warned about the negative impacts of such caps, citing examples from Victoria, Australia. Saqib Bhatti also mentioned that Labour's national insurance jobs tax and its slashing of reliefs have put hospitality businesses at risk, leading to potential job losses and economic activity reduction. He accused the Government of using this announcement as a distraction from other issues.

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