Fan-led review of live and electronic music: CMS Committee publishes government response and comments on new Music Plan

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 10:36

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has published the government's response to its fan-led review of live and electronic music. The review, which was chaired by Lord Brennan of Canton and published in April, called on all those with an interest in the sustainability of music to commit to a new Fans' Charter, which sets out nearly 50 recommendations under seven key principles or essentials of live' - of celebration, ticketing, grassroots, safety, accessibility,...Request free trial

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has published the government's response to its fan-led review of live and electronic music.

The review, which was chaired by Lord Brennan of Canton and published in April, called on all those with an interest in the sustainability of music to commit to a new Fans' Charter, which sets out nearly 50 recommendations under seven key principles or essentials of live' - of celebration, ticketing, grassroots, safety, accessibility, transport and voice.

The response from the government reveals that its new Music Plan was informed by the fan-led review.

The committee will be holding a session on the fan-led review and the government's response with Lord Brennan and DCMS Minister Ian Murray in September.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee, said:

The government's response to our fan-led review and new Music Plan make the right noises about supporting the music industry and recognising the role that fans play in its success.

There is some positive movement on supporting artists and others working in the sector and on long-overdue action to tackle the scourge of ticket touting, but it is disappointing that the government has not gone further on ensuring the planning system protects grassroots venues. We've also been waiting for action on the £1 ticket levy to support grassroots venues and the government has just kicked the can down the road.

We look forward to delving further into the detail of the plan to make sure the government's proposals are not just mood music but truly do deliver in the best interests of music lovers everywhere.

Among measures planned by the government referred to in the response are plans to introduce a Music Champion, improve pathways into music and the introduction of a £45million Music Growth Package.

The response also says that it is prepared to explore legislative options to extend the £1 ticket levy scheme, which is currently an industry-led initiative to support grassroots venues.

On the review's call for the creation of a Music Fans Association, the government suggests a new body should be driven by the sector but indicates support for initiatives to expand fan representation.