Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment (LIVE) have launched the #KeepVATat5 campaign in response to reports that the Government is planning to raise VAT on ticket sales back up to 20%.
A number of industry associations and organisers are calling on the event and festival sector to write to their MPs, urging the Government to keep VAT on tickets at five per cent for the next three years.
Currently, five per cent VAT on tickets is due to end in March. If it is reversed, it could have dire consequences for the live events industry.
With the budget approaching, the industry is being urged to act now to convince the Chancellor to #KeepVATat5. This is not just about the work done by industry associations – this needs all companies and individuals across the industry to stand up and ask for it. If we all act together, we have a chance.
The #KeepVATat 5 campaign is asking all event professionals to:
1. Write to your local MP to urge them to #KeepVATat5. Download the template letter with instructions, or personalise however you see fit.
2. Encourage your friends, colleagues, networks, mailing lists and audiences to do the same. This is the single most important action point. Please don’t leave this for someone else to do; don’t assume it will happen if you don’t get involved. This needs everyone – please spread the word.
3. On Thursday 4th Feb, post on social media (#KeepVATat5) about why this matters, and encourage your online networks to get involved. A zip file of assets (graphics for Facebook, Twitter, Insta) with key messages can be downloaded here. The key messages are also below:
Key campaign messages:
- To support our industry during this crisis the Government reduced the rate of VAT on ticket sales to 5% but now wants to increase this back to 20%.
- This increase in VAT will impact the entire ecosystem – the crews, the artists, venues and all employees – just when we need help to survive and recover the most.
- Increasing VAT by 400% at a time when the live music industry needs crucial support would be catastrophic for our recovery
Right now financial support is vital to the survival of our industry and in backing these three simple steps, you could be instrumental in making a difference.
This information is also available on the LIVE website here.