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To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of proposals for a new choir tax relief ahead of the forthcoming Budget.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of proposals for a new choir tax relief ahead of the forthcoming Budget.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to support community choirs in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to support community choirs in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.
The Government supports the arts sector, including community choirs, through Arts Council England (ACE). In 2024/25, ACE allocated £1.83 million through its National Lottery Project Grants programme to projects classified as ‘Choral’.
In Staffordshire, ACE supports organisations such as The Phoenix Singers, who received £9,687 in July 2025 to perform as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary celebrations, while LesFest received £10,348 to support local performers, including singers, through rehearsals, coaching and live performance opportunities. These investments demonstrate the support available to community choirs and singers across both Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire.
ACE’s National Lottery Project Grants provide funding to support artists, cultural organisations and community groups to deliver creative and cultural activity. The programme is open to eligible organisations, including community choirs in both Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire, providing opportunities to secure funding for performances, audience development, education and community engagement projects.
That this House congratulates Ratho Primary School Glee Choir on winning the South East regional final of the Frisson Foundation’s Glee Challenge; notes that the Glee Challenge provides an extensive and inclusive school choir programme for children across Scotland, encouraging creativity, confidence and participation through music; recognises the outstanding achievement and dedication of all members of the choir, their teachers and supporters in securing this success; acknowledges the important role that programmes like this play in helping young people develop skills, build friendships and engage with their local communities; further congratulates all participating schools, including the runners-up, for their excellent performances; and wishes Ratho Primary School Glee Choir every success in the upcoming national final.
That this House congratulates Ratho Primary School Glee Choir on winning the South East regional final of the Frisson Foundation’s Glee Challenge; notes that the Glee Challenge provides an extensive and inclusive school choir programme for children across Scotland, encouraging creativity, confidence and participation through music; recognises the outstanding achievement...
That this House congratulates Philip Crookall, of Nantwich, Cheshire, on his outstanding voluntary contribution to church music and choral life over many decades; notes his long career as a teacher and adviser in the Nantwich area and his service as a church organist and choirmaster; further notes that in 1986 he founded the St Christopher Chorale, an itinerant choral ensemble affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, with the aim of bringing high-quality choral worship to churches without choirs; recognises that under his leadership for over 40 years the Chorale has performed at more than 500 services, visited over 100 churches, and sung in more than 25 cathedrals and abbeys across England and Wales, as well as internationally; acknowledges the Chorale’s ecumenical commitment and its entirely voluntary ethos, providing its services free of charge; commends the dedication, leadership and musical excellence demonstrated by Philip Crookall throughout his lifetime of service; further recognises the inspiration he has provided to generations of singers and communities; and wishes him well following the celebration of his 90th birthday and for the future.
That this House congratulates Philip Crookall, of Nantwich, Cheshire, on his outstanding voluntary contribution to church music and choral life over many decades; notes his long career as a teacher and adviser in the Nantwich area and his service as a church organist and choirmaster; further notes that in 1986...
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the (a) contribution of choirs to public health, wellbeing and social prescribing and (b) potential role of...
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the (a) contribution of choirs to public health, wellbeing and social prescribing and (b) potential role of...
DCMS officials have had discussions with DHSC on the value of arts and culture to public health and wellbeing. DCMS also routinely meets with its arms-length body, Arts Council England (ACE), on their work to support people’s health, happiness and wellbeing via access to high-quality cultural and creative activities.
Research commissioned by DCMS' Culture and Heritage Capital Programme found that general engagement with culture and heritage positively impacts physical health, mental health, and productivity, which for adults, is valued at £18.6bn per year. For adults aged 65 years and over who attend a choir weekly, there is an estimated benefit on a society-wide level of £170m.
Adults over 50 years old who engage with cultural venues have delayed dementia onset, resulting in social care and NHS savings of £0.38bn.
The government supports the arts sector, including choirs and singing through ACE. For the 2024/25 financial year, ACE allocated £1.83 million in National Lottery Project Grants to projects classified under 'Choral’.
Within ACE’s National Portfolio Investment Programme, 334 organisations provide “creative health” programming. To support this work, the Arts Council provides an annual investment of £145 million to National Portfolio Organisations whose activities incorporate creative health.
ACE has also co-funded the National Academy of Social Proscribing (NASP) to deliver the Power of Music programme, which aims to transform how music supports dementia care within NHS systems.
Regarding the potential role of an extended Orchestra Tax Relief, fiscal policy and the design of tax reliefs are the remit of His Majesty’s Treasury.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending Orchestra Tax Relief to include amateur and professional choirs that produce live, acoustic concerts on a non‑commercial basis.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending Orchestra Tax Relief to include amateur and professional choirs that produce live, acoustic concerts on a non‑commercial basis.
Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) provides tax relief on production costs and provided around £50 million of support in 2023-24. There is currently no other country in the world which offers similar relief to orchestras, and the aim is to recognise the artistic importance and cultural value of the sector.
To qualify for OTR, a concert must be performed by a group of at least 12 instrumentalists. The voice is not considered to be an instrument for the purposes of the relief. However, orchestra concerts with a vocal element are not excluded. Concerts featuring a choir may be eligible provided that the instrumentalists remain the primary focus. These rules help ensure OTR fulfils its objective of supporting and incentivising orchestra concerts specifically. The Government is not currently considering extending the relief to choirs.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she will examine the potential merits of extending tax relief for orchestras to include choirs.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she will examine the potential merits of extending tax relief for orchestras to include choirs.
The Government recognises the importance of the creative industries, including orchestras, and supports them through funding and through the tax system. Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) provides tax relief on production costs and provided around £50 million of support in 2023-24. There is currently no other country in the world which offers such a tax relief for orchestras.
In considering any changes to existing tax reliefs or introducing new ones, Government has to consider a wide range of factors, including the specific aims of the relief, the costs and complexity of designing and administering new provisions, and fairness. Decisions on tax are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events, in the context of overall public finances.
That this House congratulates Bangor Ladies Choir on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; recognises the choir’s outstanding contribution to cultural life in Bangor and across Northern Ireland over the past five decades; commends the dedication and commitment of its members, including those who have remained involved since its earliest years; notes the choir’s role in promoting community cohesion, wellbeing and access to the arts; further recognises the importance of supporting local cultural organisations and grassroots arts initiatives; highlights the value of such groups in strengthening local identity and civic pride; and wishes Bangor Ladies Choir continued success for many years to come.
That this House congratulates Bangor Ladies Choir on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; recognises the choir’s outstanding contribution to cultural life in Bangor and across Northern Ireland over the past five decades; commends the dedication and commitment of its members, including those who have remained involved since its earliest...
That this House celebrates the launch of Drumchapel Good Vibes Community Choir; recognises that the Choir was launched on 26 February 2026 with their inaugural performance at Drumchapel St Andrew’s and Yoker Church in Glasgow West; recognises that the Choir has been make made possible thanks to funding secured from the National Lottery Community Fund; notes the important role choirs play in communities, by bringing people together, forming friendships and reducing isolation; further recognises the importance of music in helping people express themselves and creating a sense of connection and joy; encourages people of all ages in the local Drumchapel and Yoker communities, and across Glasgow West, to get involved in the choir; and wishes the Good Vibes Community Choir a long and successful future.
That this House celebrates the launch of Drumchapel Good Vibes Community Choir; recognises that the Choir was launched on 26 February 2026 with their inaugural performance at Drumchapel St Andrew’s and Yoker Church in Glasgow West; recognises that the Choir has been make made possible thanks to funding secured from...
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending the Orchestra Tax Relief scheme to include a cappella choirs.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending the Orchestra Tax Relief scheme to include a cappella choirs.
The Government recognises the importance of the creative industries, including orchestras, and supports them through funding and through the tax system. Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) provides tax relief on production costs and provided around £50 million of support in 2023‑24. There is currently no other country in the world which offers such a tax relief for orchestras.
In considering any changes to existing tax reliefs or introducing new ones, Government has to consider a wide range of factors, including the specific aims of the relief, the costs and complexity of designing and administering new provisions, and fairness.
Decisions on tax are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events, in the context of overall public finances.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on community choirs of extending Orchestra Tax Relief to include vocal ensembles.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on community choirs of extending Orchestra Tax Relief to include vocal ensembles.
The Government supports the creative industries, including orchestras, through funding and via the tax system. Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) was introduced to recognise and sustain the distinct cultural and economic activity associated with orchestral productions.
Under current rules, qualifying concerts must be performed by a group of at least twelve instrumentalists. The human voice is not considered an instrument for these purposes. However, orchestra concerts with a vocal element are eligible for the relief providing that the orchestra has at least 12 instrumentalists, and the instrumentalists are the primary focus.
In considering any changes to existing tax reliefs or introducing new ones, Government has to consider a wide range of factors, including the specific aims of the relief, the costs and complexity of designing and administering new provisions, and fairness.
Decisions on tax are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events, in the context of overall public finances.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure parity of access to creative tax reliefs between orchestras and choirs.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure parity of access to creative tax reliefs between orchestras and choirs.
The Government supports the creative industries, including orchestras, through funding and via the tax system. Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) was introduced to recognise and sustain the distinct cultural and economic activity associated with orchestral productions.
Under current rules, qualifying concerts must be performed by a group of at least twelve instrumentalists. The human voice is not considered an instrument for these purposes. However, orchestra concerts with a vocal element are eligible for the relief providing that the orchestra has at least 12 instrumentalists, and the instrumentalists are the primary focus.
In considering any changes to existing tax reliefs or introducing new ones, Government has to consider a wide range of factors, including the specific aims of the relief, the costs and complexity of designing and administering new provisions, and fairness.
Decisions on tax are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events, in the context of overall public finances.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has plans to consult with representatives of choirs and other vocal ensembles on the scope of Orchestra Tax Relief.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has plans to consult with representatives of choirs and other vocal ensembles on the scope of Orchestra Tax Relief.
The Government supports the creative industries, including orchestras, through funding and via the tax system. Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) was introduced to recognise and sustain the distinct cultural and economic activity associated with orchestral productions.
Under current rules, qualifying concerts must be performed by a group of at least twelve instrumentalists. The human voice is not considered an instrument for these purposes. However, orchestra concerts with a vocal element are eligible for the relief providing that the orchestra has at least 12 instrumentalists, and the instrumentalists are the primary focus.
In considering any changes to existing tax reliefs or introducing new ones, Government has to consider a wide range of factors, including the specific aims of the relief, the costs and complexity of designing and administering new provisions, and fairness.
Decisions on tax are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events, in the context of overall public finances.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of extending Orchestra Tax Relief to (a) vocal performance groups and (b) choirs.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of extending Orchestra Tax Relief to (a) vocal performance groups and (b) choirs.
The Government supports the creative industries, including orchestras, through funding and through the tax system. To qualify for Orchestra Tax Relief, a concert must be performed by a group of at least 12 instrumentalists. The voice is not considered to be an instrument for these purposes. However, orchestra concerts with a vocal element are eligible for the relief providing that the orchestra also contains at least 12 instrumentalists, not including the voice, and the instrumentalists are the primary focus.
Vocal performance groups and choirs do not qualify for Orchestra Tax Relief since the scheme aims to support the cultural and distinct economic activity associated with orchestral concerts. We do of course recognise the benefits choirs and vocal performance groups offer to those who participate and who enjoy their performances.
When considering new tax reliefs, the Government takes into account a wide range of factors including costs, complexity, and fairness.
The Chancellor makes announcements on tax at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of financial support for parish choristers.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of financial support for parish choristers.
The Government supports the arts sector, including choirs and singing, through its arm’s-length body, Arts Council England (ACE). For the 2024/25 financial year, ACE has allocated £1.83 million in National Lottery Project Grants to projects classified under 'Choral,' which includes support for parish choirs.
Furthermore, while not exclusively for choirs, the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme offers financial assistance for essential maintenance or works to listed church buildings that may affect the music programme (e.g. repairing an organ). This scheme helps cover the costs and associated VAT for such works.
Additional funding opportunities are available from charities such as the Cathedral Music Trust, The Royal School of Church Music, and The Ouseley Church Music Trust.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to increase support for parish choirs.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to increase support for parish choirs.
The Government supports the arts sector, including choirs and singing, through its arm’s-length body, Arts Council England (ACE). For the 2024/25 financial year, ACE has allocated £1.83 million in National Lottery Project Grants to projects classified under 'Choral,' which includes support for parish choirs.
Furthermore, while not exclusively for choirs, the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme offers financial assistance for essential maintenance or works to listed church buildings that may affect the music programme (e.g. repairing an organ). This scheme helps cover the costs and associated VAT for such works.
Additional funding opportunities are available from charities such as the Cathedral Music Trust, The Royal School of Church Music, and The Ouseley Church Music Trust.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to help support male voice choirs.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to help support male voice choirs.
His Majesty’s Government has a strong commitment to all forms of music, including choral music. Local choirs are an important part of many people’s lives across the UK, providing a creative outlet and strong sense of community, as well as an accessible, enjoyable cultural experience enjoyed by people of all ages.
The Government supports the arts financially, including choirs and singing, through its arm’s-length body Arts Council England. The Arts Council does not have a specific category for identifying investment in ‘male choirs’, however, for the financial year 2024/25 Arts Council England funded activity with a choral focus or element by nearly £44 million. This funding has supported the development, touring and promotion of choral music throughout England. Organisations supported by this funding include Ex Cathedra, a nationally recognised choir with a repertoire that reaches from the 12th to the 21st centuries.
Within the Music and Dance Scheme, the Department for Education continues to fund bursaries for training choristers through the Choir Schools’ Association.
Last Saturday, I attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Dowlais male voice choir, which is one of at least six choirs in my constituency. They do a great job of representing the town locally, nationally and internationally. I took particular pleasure in congratulating Meurig Price, the only original member...
Last Saturday, I attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Dowlais male voice choir, which is one of at least six choirs in my constituency. They do a great job of representing the town locally, nationally and internationally. I took particular pleasure in congratulating Meurig Price, the only original member...
I congratulate the choir. When we think about the Welsh valleys, we associate them with male voice choirs, which are an important part of the fabric of those communities. The Government are acutely aware of that, so I would welcome the opportunity to raise these issues through a debate. Where...
I congratulate the choir. When we think about the Welsh valleys, we associate them with male voice choirs, which are an important part of the fabric of those communities. The Government are acutely aware of that, so I would welcome the opportunity to raise these issues through a debate. Where...
That this House celebrates the success of Neroche Primary School Choir; congratulates the small rural village school choir of children aged seven to eleven for a fantastic year of performance; recognises their inspiring passion, drive, commitment and talent; and wishes the choir all the best as they prepare to sing at Wells Cathedral this Christmas and as part of Young Voices at the 02 Arena in London.
That this House celebrates the success of Neroche Primary School Choir; congratulates the small rural village school choir of children aged seven to eleven for a fantastic year of performance; recognises their inspiring passion, drive, commitment and talent; and wishes the choir all the best as they prepare to sing...