Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Live Events Sector

Thursday 16 September 2021 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department of Culture, Media and Sport removed all restrictions in July, enabling audiences to return to live events.
  • The Government announced a live events reinsurance scheme worth 750 million in August to support events previously unable to obtain covid-19 cancellation insurance.
  • The 5% VAT rate on event tickets has been extended until September 30, 2021, followed by a 12.5% reduced rate until March 2022.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Warburton Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The live events sector has faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions and financial difficulties.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to help the live events sector return and recover from the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Nadine Dorries

In July, we removed all restrictions, enabling audiences to return to live events. In August, the Government announced a live events reinsurance scheme worth £750 million, which will instil confidence and support events previously unable to obtain covid-19 cancellation insurance. DCMS has continued to support the events sector throughout the pandemic, including through the £2 billion culture recovery fund.

Answered
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Q2 David Warburton Con
Taxation
Context

The live music sector has faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, and VAT rates for event tickets are set to increase.

Question

Will the Government consider a permanent extension of VAT relief on music tickets to aid the sector's recovery?

Answer from Nadine Dorries

I assure my hon. Friend that I will be working closely with the Chancellor to discuss the support required for the live events sector. The 5% rate on VAT for event tickets has been extended until 30 September 2021, when the 12.5% reduced rate will be introduced until March 2022.

Partly answered

Not addressed: permanent extension of VAT relief

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Q3 Patrick Grady SNP
Context

Some promoters have expressed concerns about the effectiveness and coverage of the live events reinsurance scheme.

Question

Has the Secretary of State any information on the take-up of that reinsurance scheme?

Answer from Nadine Dorries

At this stage in my appointment, I am afraid I cannot give the hon. Gentleman an exact figure for the take-up, but I will write to him.

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