Covid-19: Performing Arts

Earl of Clancarty Excerpts
Monday 13th July 2020

(4 years, 5 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Barran Portrait Baroness Barran
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My understanding is that the package does include dance companies in particular and touring companies. My noble friend refers to training that I understand is in line with other elite sports, but I am happy to write her to confirm that.

Earl of Clancarty Portrait The Earl of Clancarty (CB) [V]
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My Lords, even with the funding, this could yet be a disaster for the music sector where 90% of the workforce is self-employed. Will the Government extend the self-employed scheme at least until the end of the year? Otherwise, there is the danger that many talented musicians will leave the industry or go abroad.

Baroness Barran Portrait Baroness Barran
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I beg to differ with the noble Earl that the scheme is a disaster. It has been welcomed widely by the sector and is recognised as the most generous scheme of its type in Europe. I am not aware of any plans to extend the self-employed scheme.