Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to bring forward sector-specific support for the commercial live music sector.

The Government appreciates that the Covid-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors including the live commercial music sector, which is why we announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency.

The Government’s response has been one of the most generous and comprehensive in the world, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and the Bounceback Loan Scheme and business rates reliefs. The Government has adapted the welfare system so that the self-employed can access Universal Credit in full, to help people get quicker and more generous support when they need it most.

In addition, on Sunday 5 July 2020, the Secretary of State announced a major £1.57 billion support package for key cultural organisations to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will provide targeted support to organisations across a range of cultural and creative sectors, including the live music sector. We will publish detailed guidance on eligibility as soon as possible in July.