Musicians’ Union Welcomes Orchestra and Theatre Tax Relief Announcements in the Budget

15 March 2023 - Press release

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has welcomed the announcement in today’s Budget that the rates of theatre and orchestra tax relief will be maintained at their current levels for a further two years from April. 

The MU had lobbied strongly for the higher rates of 45% and 50% respectively to be extended to help the sector to recover from the dual impacts of COVID 19 and the cost of living crisis. 

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl says: 

‘We are grateful that the Government has listened to the MU and others in the creative sectors and extended the higher rate of tax relief for theatres and orchestras for another two years. 

The cuts announced to the BBC Orchestras and Singers last week, along with those brought in by Arts Council England (ACE) in the autumn, are a stark reminder of the difficulties currently being faced by arts organisations, so this extra injection of cash is a vital lifeline for an incredibly successful sector. 

As noted by the Chancellor today, the creative industries are growing at twice the rate of the economy and the uplifted rate has been driving a much higher rate of activity and employment in the sector than would otherwise have been possible. 

That said, at the MU we hope that the money provided by this extension of tax relief does filter down to the musicians, performers and other creatives who drive this exceptionally successful sector.’