A fan-led review of live music has been launched by MPs with the
aim of improving the sustainability of the grassroots to
safeguard the success of the wider UK music industry.
The review, announced today by Culture, Media and Sport
Committee Chair Dame at the SXSW London
festival, was one of the recommendations from the predecessor committee's
report on grassroots music venues, published in the last
Parliament.
The report amplified concerns by venue operators, touring artists
and independent promoters regarding the financial precarity of
the grassroots music sector, with venues shutting at the rate of
two a week.
Encompassing all aspects of live and electronic music, the review
will be chaired by of Canton, a member of the
previous committee, with the aim of bringing music lovers
together to discuss ideas and policies to protect the industry
and ensure it works in the best interests of fans.
It will consider the music fan experience, from the provision of
live and electronic music through to considerations of safety,
examine the sustainability of venues, and explore the barriers to
touring faced by emerging artists. It will also look at the
effectiveness of existing policies and how different levels of
government support live music.
Chair of the CMS Committee, Dame MP, said:
“Despite some headway being made on an industry-led levy to
support grassroots music, venues are still shutting their doors
at an alarming rate, while the Government continues to stick its
fingers in its ears when it comes to calls for a fan-led review.
It's time to put the power in the hands of those who truly
understand and love live and electronic music – the fans,
artists, DJs and festival goers, as well as those who work behind
the scenes. They deserve a voice in shaping a thriving grassroots
music scene and building a sustainable talent pipeline that
ensures the UK music industry remains one of the UK's global
success stories.”
Dame Caroline has also tabled an amendment to legislation
currently going through Parliament to strengthen the rights of
music venues in potential noise disputes with new neighbouring
developments.
The amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure
Bill, which returns to the House of Commons on Monday, would
put the so-called ‘Agent of Change' principle on a statutory
footing, meaning existing businesses and facilities should not
have unreasonable restrictions placed on them as a result of
development permitted after they were established.
Dame Caroline said: "Small music venues and
nightclubs are already under immense pressure and the current
planning system is only adding to their burden. Requiring local
authorities to properly consider existing venues when approving
new developments would be a game-changer. It would help protect
the live music ecosystem and give these vital cultural spaces a
real chance to survive and thrive."
The predecessor Committee's report found that off the 148
grassroots music venues lost in 2023 approximately 22% closed due
to operational issues, such as revocation of premises licences or
unachievable licence renewal terms. Around 12% closed due to
eviction or redevelopment.
ENDS
Further information on the review and how to take part will be
announced in due course.
Quotes on Agent of Change amendment:
“As guidance, the Agent of Change principle has been a vital tool
to protect grassroots music venues from the potential threats
posed by redevelopment. It has, however, been poorly enforced and
often completely overlooked, leading to many venues closing. By
placing the Agent of Change principle on a statutory footing we
will be able to ensure residents have high-quality housing and
access to local culture, whilst also protecting the grassroots
music venues at the heart of our towns and cities for future
generations.” - Mark Davyd, CEO, Music Venue
Trust
“The night time economy is a vital part of the UK's cultural and
economic landscape, supporting thousands of businesses and
millions of jobs. Putting the Agent of Change principle on a
statutory footing is essential to protecting our venues from
unfair closures and costly disputes. It ensures that new
developments take responsibility for managing their impact,
safeguarding the future of our grassroots music venues, clubs,
and cultural spaces that are the heartbeat of our towns and
cities.” - Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries
Association
