Just in: UK extends tax breaks to orchestras

Just in: UK extends tax breaks to orchestras

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norman lebrecht

December 03, 2014

We don’t know yet exactly how it will work but George Osborne has announced that orchestras can now claim the same benefits that were given to theatres in the spring.

This should mean 25 percent tax relief on tour performances and 20 percent on home.

It won’t save Ulster or any other orchs in trouble, but it will ease bottom line pressures on working ensembles.

 

underground orch

Comments

  • Anne says:

    Pleased that orchestras are at least on the Chancellor’s radar. Can’t always be sure.

  • David Murphy says:

    Thanks are due to the Association of British Orchestras for making sure Osborne’s radar was tuned in.

  • Halldor says:

    Osborne’s one of the few cabinet ministers in recent years who’s been known to attend performances at Covent Garden; one suspects that orchestras are rather more on his radar than many of his predecessors’.

  • Simon Fairclough says:

    This is slightly less of a done deal than initial reports suggested — http://www.classicalmusicmagazine.org/2014/12/autumn-statement-includes-nod-towards-orchestras-but-no-commitment/

  • Mark Pemberton says:

    I think we can be confident that a tax break for orchestras will happen. It has plenty of momentum, the Chancellor’s personal backing, and theatre tax relief also went out to consultation before implementation.

  • John Willan says:

    “The government will also launch a formal consultation in early 2015 about introducing a new tax relief for orchestras from April 2016, in recognition of their cultural value and artistic importance.” said the Chancellor. Nevertheless, Mark is right, so fingers crossed….

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