Context
The MP met a constituent, Dom, who runs a small music studio facing cost pressures from business rates, employer national insurance, and the minimum wage. Many small music studios have closed in recent years.
Question
I thank the Minister for that answer, however a couple of weeks ago I met my constituent Dom, who runs a small music studio. The cost pressures on the music industry coming from this Government are unsustainable at the moment, not least from business rates—even after yesterday’s announcement—employer national insurance and the minimum wage. With so many small music studios having closed in recent years in this country, how will the Government ensure that our music industry has a solid future?
Answer from The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)
The creative industries sector plan is right at the heart of this Government’s industrial strategy, and music plays a key part in that. We will have the music 10-point plan shortly, and the £30 million music growth fund will support grassroots music, including those kinds of studio. I was at Co-op Live in Manchester just last month launching Discover! Creative Careers. It has a studio there, and it is trying to open up to the public. This is about access to studios and also about supporting them. I hope that the ticket levy, which we hope to get to 50% of all shows next year, can support studios, as well as the other growth projects we have in place.
Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address how the Government will specifically alleviate cost pressures on small music studios beyond mentioning existing funds and levies.
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)