UK Orchestra And Theatre Tax Relief Will Last Two Years

The complex issue of funding for UK orchestras and theatre companies continues, with both positive and negative developments. There have been announcements in recent weeks that funding and relief with be both given and cut, making the situation for UK musicians, actors and performers a complex and uncertain one at present.

The good news – Tax relief will last for two more years

Following the pandemic, the UK government has announced that the tax relief for theatre and orchestras across the nation will be maintained for two more years at the current levels.

The Musicians’ Union explained that they had lobbied strongly for the higher rates of 45% and 50% respectively to be extended to help the sector to recover from the dual impacts of COVID 19 and the cost-of-living crisis, with MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl saying:

“We are very grateful that the Government has listened to the MU and others in the arts sector and extended the higher rate of tax relief for theatres and orchestras for another two years.

The announcement by Arts Council England (ACE) in the autumn, and the BBC’s proposals to make job cuts to its Performing Groups in England last week, are a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by arts organisations in the current climate, so this extra injection of cash is a vital lifeline for an important sector.”

The references Ms Pohl makes were previously reported by TheatreArtLife, whereby Arts cuts have come in thick and fast in recent times, as well as the devastating recent news that the BBC intends to follow suit by making cuts themselves; The British Broadcasting Corporation announced earlier in March that cuts would be made to the BBC Singers, the BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Philharmonic.

In response, a petition was started by Jack Apperley to save BBC Singers, which currently has over 138,000 signatures in support. Public support has been apparent by way of social media, news outlets, and in government.

Apperley explains on the petition site:

“Today the BBC has announced that as part of its “New strategy for Classical Music” it will be disbanding the BBC Singers – the only full-time professional choir in the UK.

The BBC Singers’ roots can be traced back to 1924. Based at the BBC’s Maida Vale Studios, the choir also gives free concerts at a number of venues across London and makes regular appearances at major festivals across the UK and beyond, with the vast majority of its performances broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

The number of people affected by the planned closure of the UK’s only full-time professional choir is significant. Firstly there are the 20 professional singers and additional administrative staff whose jobs and livelihood will be taken away. The BBC Singers have a proud history of commissioning new works from contemporary composers – from the BBC Christmas Carol Competition to other commissions from established and promising composers. This important work would be lost.

The choir does an incredible amount of outreach work in schools and other educational institutions, providing singing days and masterclasses to young singers and conductors from all backgrounds.

With your support we will be calling on Charlotte Moore – BBC Chief Content Officer and Simon Webb – BBC Head of Orchestras and Choirs to reconsider this devastating and damaging decision to disband the BBC Singers.”

Sign the petition to save the BBC Singers

Also by Michelle Sciarrotta: