Chancellor has delivered his first
Budget in the House of Commons, announcing the government's tax
and spending plans for the year ahead.
Key points for music and the arts:
1. Statutory
Sick Pay will not be extended to cover the self-employed: ‘The
government recognises that self-employed people and employees
below the Lower Earnings Limit are not entitled to SSP. The best
system of financial support for these people is the welfare
system and, in particular, ‘new style’ Employment and Support
Allowance and Universal Credit.’
2. A
£90m Arts Premium annum to fund arts activities for all secondary
school pupils has been announced.
3. For
one year from 1 April 2020, the business rates retail discount
for properties with a rateable value below £51,000 in England
will increase from one third to 50% and will be expanded to
include music venues.
4. Small
arts and entertainment venues are among those given a 100%
discount on business rates for a year to help stem possible
losses arising from the coronavirus
5. A
£90m budget for cultural regeneration outside of London has been
announced
6. The
HMRC will launch new interactive guidance in summer 2020 which
will make it easier for self-employed taxpayers to navigate the
tax system.
7. The
DCMS’ budget has grown by £100m to reach £2.3bn.
8. The
Government will consider how to provide appropriate support to
self-employed parents so that they can continue to run their
businesses, as part of its wider review of Parental Pay and
Leave.
Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the Incorporated
Society of Musicians said:
‘While there is some good news in yesterday’s Budget, it is
concerning that the government have not extended SSP to cover
freelancers and those on zero-hour contracts.
Although extra support for the self-employed is welcome,
the Universal Credit system is not an appropriate measure to
mitigate the loss of earnings musicians are facing due to
COVID-19.
Musicians should not be penalised for protecting themselves
and others from the threat of contracting the virus. Therefore we
are urging the Government to reconsider their position and extend
SSP to everyone, including those who are freelancers and on zero
hour contracts, affected by COVID-19 or advised to self-isolate.
We are also calling on music education hubs to ensure that all
those who are engaged for work are paid sick pay equivalent to
their normal wages where there are school or music centre
closures, or where they are off for any reason linked to
COVID-19.’
The music sector including many ISM members continue to be
impacted by COVID-19. Read our most up-to-date advice
at ism.org/advice/coronavirus-stay-informed.
