Petition launched for UK government to reduce recording studios business rates

The Music Producers Guide and UK Music have come together in hopes of creating a more accessible space by urging the government to recognise recording studios as eligible for reduced business rates from April 2026.

As it stands, recording studios in the UK do not qualify for business rates relief, which gives those in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors financial support, and with over 500 recording studios in operation across the UK, this movement would help recognise these spaces as grassroots music venues and help to protect them as “crucial parts of the music ecosystem”. 

The petition addressed to Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated how the transition would help “safeguard hundreds of vital cultural spaces”, which are currently excluded from support under the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) scheme. The petition also includes that when the UK government does introduce two lower business rate tiers for RHL properties in April 2026, it will also include recording studios.

So far, the petition has received  714signatures of 1,000, surpassing the original goal of 500. You can find out more information and sign the petition here. 

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