Written question asked by Gordon McKee (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Thursday, 16 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Music Venues: Taxation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions the Department has had with arena and stadium operators on increasing participation in the voluntary levy to support grassroots music venues.

Answer: The Government has been clear that arenas and stadiums have a vital role to play to accelerate adoption of the £1 ticket contribution to support grassroots music. The Government has convened the live music industry, including arena and stadium operators and their representative bodies, to drive further uptake of the voluntary levy and to understand remaining challenges and opportunities. As set out in our Music Plan, published on 13 July, we support the industry's leadership on this so far, with the LIVE Trust already having distributed £1.5 million to vital initiatives. However, we want to see uptake increase further, and we have consistently said that we are prepared to explore legislative options if required.

Secondary information