Summer Recess is around the corner – here's what LIVE has achieved so far

With Parliamentary Summer Recess a week away - and a new Prime Minister imminent – it's a good moment to reflect on what LIVE has achieved within this Government. Since Labour’s historic win just two years ago, LIVE has been busy engaging Government on the issues crucial to the live music industry.

From a policy perspective, LIVE’s greatest success in 2026 has been our business rates win, securing an immediate 15% discount followed by a two-year freeze for live music venues. The next step for LIVE is to work with Treasury to review the valuation method music venues are considered against.

We’ve also seen success against other policy priorities: after an industry-wide campaign, the King’s Speech introduced the Ticket Touts Ban Bill as draft legislation. Right now, this is a preliminary version of legislation for further scrutiny, so LIVE’s next step is to ensure Government prioritises passing this legislation that tackles organised crime, is cheap to implement and is popular with both industry and the public.

 Other wins include helping shape the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, better known as Martyn’s Law, in a bid to ensure it doesn't have a disproportionate impact on live music venues. Plus, we've worked to tackle sexism in the industry both through our Misogyny in Music group and consistent engagement with the Women & Equalities Committee. We were also proud to support the development of and participate in the Parliamentary launch of the landmark third edition of the Show Must Go On report.

LIVE have had great success with this Government – and yet, with a leadership election drawing closer, we already find ourselves looking ahead to what comes next. With the imminent publication of the long-awaited Music Plan, a Major Events strategy in development and the appointment of a Freelance Champion expected, we hope to see progress come faster and go further to ease touring challenges for artists, pass legislation to stop touts, exempt LIVE Trust donations from VAT, secure new support for festivals and ensure a fair business rates valuation method for all music venues.

LIVE Venues discusses zero-hours contracts and counter terrorism

This week’s LIVE Venues meeting was as packed as ever with attendees discussing everything from the Government’s impending music plan and developing major events strategy to music licensing and the progress of LIVE Trust. In addition, the group considered the Government’s consultation on zero-hour contract reforms as part of the ongoing implementation of the Employment Rights Act. The reforms are expected to affect over 18 million people, including many across the live music industry with its irregular schedules that often require flexible working arrangements.
 
The consultation asks employers and workers about potential hours thresholds and is open to workers, employers and organisations. Contributions will help shape the final detail of these reforms and allow Government to better strike the balance between protecting workers and retaining flexibility for businesses. The consultation closes on 25 August – make your voice heard and share your thoughts here.

We also heard from Anton Volpe, National Counter Terrorism Security Office, who outlined the range of free resources offered by NaCTSO to support business in ensuring the safety of their events. All NaCTSO products and services are free to access; check out their website here.

LIVE continues work to establish a tailored Business Rates valuation method for live music venues

Government is increasingly recognising the unique nature and contribution of live music venues. From our significant economic contribution (directly and driving the high street) to our ability to rebrand neighbourhoods and cities (driving culture-led regeneration in the process) departments are increasingly making specific recommendations and proposals that unlock our sector and maximise opportunities. 
 
With that in mind, and building on the business rates success referenced above, LIVE continues to engage with Ministers, departmental officials and the team at the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to assess the art of the possible when it comes to reframing how live music venues (of all sizes) are assessed.  
 
Our venues are subject to fixed capacities, have high staffing requirements, are capex-hungry and can have narrow operating margins. As a result, rateable values for venues can be driven by unrealistic expectations around potential economic activity at that building, and/or be based on rental values that, oftentimes, have increased because of the positive contribution of live music venues to the area. A perverse consequence of culture-led regeneration.
 
LIVE’s view is that there is a current disconnect between our tax liabilities and commercial reality that could be addressed through a dedicated live music venue class allowing assessment according to the operational characteristics and unique contribution of our spaces, rather than being grouped with fundamentally different property types.
 
Discussions to date have been constructive and we look forward to continuing this collaborative relationship to protect all venues. 

Boost your business this summer with the Great British Savings Scheme

Summer can be expensive - particularly for families. With the ever-increasing price of everything from ice cream to sun cream, it can be difficult to keep things affordable over the warmer months and many people are searching for ways to keep their wallets from overheating.
 
Fortunately, Government have launched the Great British Savings Scheme, where families can enter their postcode and find discounts and deals at venues near them. It’s a win-win for frugal families and businesses alike - if you’re interested in boosting your footfall this summer, register your business here. 

Nominations for the LIVE Awards are now open

Know somebody who deserves recognition for their work in the live music industry (yes, that includes yourself)? Nominate them for the LIVE Awards 2026, in association with Skiddle!
Entries are now open and you can find all the categories and submit your nomination for free below.

The LIVE Awards return to the Troxy in East London on 9 December for another huge night of celebration. With a sit-down dinner, afterparty and a very special host still to be announced, it’s a night not to be missed. Not bought a ticket yet? Buy yours here.

Martyn's Law webinar

Alongside the Home Office's ongoing Summer Webinar series, we would like to invite you to a Martyn's Law webinar arranged for the LIVE network. This webinar will take place next week on Thursday 16th July, 11am - 12pm, over Teams. If your organisation has members who could benefit from this webinar, please email tani@livemusic.biz to join the session.