The UK government has launched a long-term “Plan for Music” aimed at supporting artists, fans, venues, festivals, labels, and music businesses across a sector the Department for Culture, Media and Sport values at at least £8 billion to the economy.

Key funding commitments include:

  • £15 million in new Arts Council England funding added to the existing “Music Growth Package,” bringing it to £45 million, intended to support over 2,000 projects and 40,000+ artists and music professionals over three years
  • £12.5 million for a “Music in Libraries” initiative, co-designed with the Ed Sheeran Foundation, to fund studio spaces and recording equipment in libraries
  • £10 million for a Creative Mentoring scheme connecting young people with creative practitioners across music, art, film, and drama

Additional measures include licensing reforms to support live events, expanded investment in music trade missions, and the appointment of former UK Music CEO Michael Dugher as the government’s first “Music Champion.” The plan builds on earlier initiatives like the £1 ticket levy and streaming payout reforms, and adds a 15% business rates relief for live music venues. Touring logistics also get a boost: the UK, EU, Norway, and Switzerland are rolling out digital ATA Carnet processing, with an expected 70% of UK-issued carnets going digital to ease administrative burdens for touring artists.

The plan also targets music education through National Curriculum reforms, and will appoint a Freelance Champion to support creative freelancers’ working conditions.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy framed the plan as a way to widen access to music careers beyond a privileged few, while industry leaders — including UK Music’s Tom Kiehl and LIVE’s Jon Collins — welcomed the strategy as addressing challenges like AI’s impact on creators, touring barriers, and threats to music venues, while emphasizing the need for continued collaboration between government and industry.