The Scottish Live Events Network supports the Keep VAT 5% campaign to help the industry rebuild when we are able to reopen. However this cannot be the only solution. The 5% VAT extension would help the industry in its recovery but is very unlikely to trickle down in any meaningful way to freelancers and small businesses. The cultural VAT rate for tickets needs to be part of a bigger package of support should the industry be required to remain closed. Bectu and SLEN’s main asks for the Government are: Underwrite insurance for theatre shows and live events Industry specific extension of the JRS and SEISS in the event of continued forced closure Close the gaps in support for the
Review on the restriction of organisations that received money for wages from the Cultural Recovery Fund from being able to access the JRS because their application was based on being able to run shows and they can’t do that so the disqualification seems unfair Review on the restriction of not being able to carry over money received from the Cultural Recovery Fund Government scheme for subsidised seats (similar to the eat out scheme) for Theatres/Events Extension to the cultural VAT rate on tickets. We will continue to work towards all these goals as we feel it is the best way to bring the much needed aid to all parts of the industry.
