Music Venue Trust urges UK government to find "long-term solution" with energy costs for grassroots music venues

08 September 2022, 12:23 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

Music Venue Trust has responded to the "energy price guarantee" announced by new UK Prime Minister Liz Truss today (8 September), urging the government to find a "long-term solution" so grassroots music venues can access "affordable, reliable and sustainable" energy.

The Prime Minister has announced a new plan to deal with soaring energy costs, which will see existing energy price cap replaced by an "energy price guarantee" where UK household energy bills will be frozen at £2,500 for two years from October. The plan will also provide similar support for businesses, schools, charities and more for six months from October, with a review planned after three months.

Music Venue Trust has since responded to the "energy price guarantee" announcement, urging the government to find a "long-term solution" to help grassroots music venues.

Clara Cullen, Venue Support Manager at Music Venue Trust wrote, "The financial impact of the energy price rises on the Grassroots Music Venue sector presents an existential challenge. For a sector with a total gross turnover of £399 million, the current rise equates to an additional £90 million in costs."

"The policy announced today only goes some way in alleviating the challenge, in the very short-term, by creating an energy price cap for businesses that will be in place for an initial six months," Cullen continued. "The Government has committed to reviewing this policy in conjunction with the hospitality sector. Music Venue Trust will contribute to this review to ensure the perspective of Grassroots Music Venues are included in this decision-making process."

Cullen added, "As the policy announced today is only a temporary short-term measure, Music Venue Trust urges the Government to take further action to ensure a long-term solution for energy provision for Grassroots Music Venues providing an energy supply which is affordable, reliable and sustainable. We need this action to take place as soon as possible to protect, secure and improve our Grassroots Music Venues."

MUSIC VENUE TRUST ENERGY COSTS POLICY STATEMENT:
The financial impact of the energy price rises on the GMV sector presents an existential challenge. For a sector with a total gross turnover of £399 million, the current rise equates to an additional £90 million in costs...
— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) September 8, 2022

Last month Music Venue Trust conducted a survey with its 941 venue members, which concluded that 30% of the UK's music venues could close permanently if energy costs are not addressed.