Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made the potential merits of a temporary cut to VAT, based on grassroots music venue capacity, to stimulate grassroots music activity.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the standard rate applies to most goods and services, including event tickets. VAT is charged on the total price paid by the consumer, and any additional charges or levies applied prior to sale would generally form part of the taxable amount.

Tax breaks, such as reduced VAT rates, reduce the revenue available for vital public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances.