Murdo Fraser MSP has raised the plight of well-known smaller music venues who don’t get rates relief with a SNP Cabinet Secretary at Holyrood.
The Scottish Conservative politician recently highlighted financial difficulties facing venues including the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh and Nice ‘N Sleazy in Glasgow, and asked Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, if more money can be found to help them in the forthcoming Scottish Budget in February.
Speaking in the Chamber, Mr Fraser said: “Notwithstanding what the Cabinet Secretary says about the Budget, there are very real concerns in the sector about the viability of music venues. The Budget gives 40% rates relief, but, unlike in England, that is capped at £51,000 of rateable value. That means that one third of venues that are associated with the Music Venue Trust are not eligible for support, including the likes of Nice ‘N Sleazy in Glasgow, the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh and Hootananny in Inverness, which are getting no support.
“How will the Cabinet Secretary, through the Scottish Budget, secure the future of the venues that are currently feeling the pinch?”
Speaking following the Portfolio Question session at the Scottish Parliament, Mr Fraser commented: “I was disappointed in the answer on this vital issue from the Cabinet Secretary. He stated that the SNP Government recognises the role that grass-roots music venues play in supporting the ‘talent pipeline,’ and went on to say they would introduce this 40% rates relief for mainland hospitality, including music venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 and those with a rateable value up to and including £51,000, but that is not enough for the venues I highlighted.
“He will surely know that analysis from the Music Venue Trust shows that 19 music venues will miss out on rates relief due to the cap. I met with the Music Venue Trust when they told me of their deep concerns over this issue.
“Many people enjoy watching live music at these smaller venues. Surely the SNP Government must realise the role they play in providing live music across the country and address this anomaly.”
