Recording Studios: Business Rates

(asked on 26th March 2026) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the loss to public finances of income tax and National Insurance contributions arising from the potential closure of commercial recording studios as a result of the 2026 non-domestic rating revaluation; and what assessment they have made of the number of entry-level positions in commercial recording studios that may be lost as a consequence.


Answered by
Lord Livermore Portrait
Lord Livermore
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
This question was answered on 13th April 2026

No such estimates have been made. In recognition of the impact of the revaluation on bills, the Government has introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion to protect ratepayers against large overnight increases in bills.

Recording studios are a vital part of the infrastructure of the music industry. The Government is doubling funding for the Music Growth Package, which will support the music ecosystem across both live and electronic music – from grassroots venues, festivals, recording and rehearsal studios to artists, songwriters, independent labels, managers, and promoters working in all genres of music.

The Government will continue to engage closely with the sector to understand ongoing pressures and ensure the UK remains a globally competitive place to create, record and produce music.

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