Live Music Industry: Support

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering Excerpts

Monday 23rd June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

My own health is considerably enhanced by being able to attend events. From a government perspective, it is key that all children have the chance to realise their musical talent and that music events are open to all. That is why the Government are working with Young Sounds UK on a four-year music opportunities pilot to break down barriers to music education for disadvantaged students.

[Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Con)]

The noble Earl made an excellent point about the agent of change. The ad hoc committee on the review of the Licensing Act 2003, which I had the honour to chair, made a specific recommendation that the agent of change should be enshrined in law. Without that, real pressure is put on existing music venues, which suffered terribly, along with the hospitality sector more generally, during Covid. Will the Minister look favourably on enshrining the agent of change into law to ensure a vibrant future for existing music venues?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The Government are committed to developing a truly plan-led system with a policy framework that is accessible and understandable to all. To that end, we intend to consult on a set of national policies for decision-making later this year. As I mentioned in a previous response, we want to enable new developments such as housing to co-exist with cultural infrastructure such as music venues. I understand the frustration behind the noble Baroness’s question.