Recommendation 1

HM Government Acknowledged

The Government welcomes the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s report on grassroots music venues, which was published in the last Parliament on 11 May 2024. We agree that an economically sustainable grassroots sector is essential for the continued success of the UK’s music industry. The passion and dedication of the people behind grassroots venues across the country, and their commitment to give opportunities to artists and bring live music to audiences is one of the UK’s strongest assets. Grassroots venues have intrinsic cultural value. They provide shared social experiences, which contribute to the UK’s music heritage. They offer emerging artists their first opportunities to perform and develop their craft, providing the essential pipeline for tomorrow’s megastars and household names. They also stimulate local economies, generate employment, and support a wide range of jobs across the creative industries, from sound engineers to stage crews. Most importantly, they provide phenomenal enjoyment to many thousands of people as the opportunity to hear live music up close is an essential part of our cultural life. However, in recent years the sector has faced considerable challenges, not just from the pandemic. Too many parts of the country have become cultural deserts and seen their grassroots music venues close - with a net loss of 125 venues in 2023 alone. The Government is committed to working closely across the music sector - from the largest commercial players to small venues, not-for-profit organisations, artists, the creative workforce and music fans - to enable a truly sustainable grassroots music sector. The grassroots music sector is the backbone of the entire music ecosystem, extending far beyond venues to include promoters, artists, the creative workforce, recording studios, rehearsal spaces, and outdoor events and festivals. Grassroots is where experimentation happens, where new genres are born, and where audiences can experience raw, unfiltered performances that are central to the continued cultural evolution of our music scene. It is the driving force that serves as the foundation of the entire music industry, fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. We recognise the value of the entire music ecosystem, including the largest arenas bringing British and global stars to mass audiences, and the revenues they bring to the UK’s economy. We agree with the Committee that the largest commercial players can and should do more to safeguard the future of the grassroots music sector. New industry-led investment in the grassroots sector will bring long term benefits to the entire music ecosystem and bring back added value to larger commercial players. It is the definition of enlightened altruism. This Government will play its part too, and the Department for Culture and Media and Sport will work across Government to champion the grassroots music sector, and ensure we are creating the right fiscal and regulatory conditions that protect the future of the sector. The Government has responded to each recommendation from the report in turn below, noting that some recommendations are primarily for the music sector to address. In addition to the points set out in our response, we are taking action to strengthen the ability of communities to own assets of community value. Through the English Devolution Bill, we will introduce a strong new ‘community right to buy’, which will make it easier for local communities to take ownership of cherished assets, including music and cultural venues, when they come up for sale.