The UK government has published a big old plan for how it will support music and the music industry in the years ahead. It’s called ‘Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music’ and will, an official statement brags, “create the conditions for the music sector - already worth at least £8 billion to the economy - to grow, innovate and succeed”.
The plan seeks to cover all the ways in which music and the music industry interacts with the government, grouping everything into ten main strands. The document is mainly a greatest hits of existing government schemes and initiatives that seek to support the music industry and the wider music community, though there are some new announcements coinciding with the launch of the plan.
That includes an additional £15 million in cash for the three year Music Growth Package that was announced a year ago, bringing the total support to £45 million. The extra money is coming from Arts Council England. It’s expected that that funding package will support more than 2000 projects and at least 40,000 artists and music industry professionals.
There will also be separate funding of at least £22.5 million to support a Music In Libraries initiative and a Creative Mentoring programme. That money comes from the Dormant Assets Scheme, which is where funds associated with a financial product, such as a bank account, that has not been used for many years can be transferred to support initiatives that benefit society at large.
The Music in Libraries initiative, which will be co-designed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation, seeks to boost the role of libraries in local music communities, allowing library services to apply for the funding to create free studio spaces and recording booths, and buy other music production kit.
The Creative Mentoring scheme will give thousands of care experienced children and young people the opportunity to receive in-depth mentoring from creative practitioners.
Also newly announced are some licensing reforms, including greater flexibility around the issuing of temporary event licences, and moves to enable “longer, more secure licences for festivals and other events, with minimum three-year contracts for new events and five-year contracts for existing events”.
One of the challenges for the music industry is that its political dealings cut across many different government departments. Although the culture department is often the starting point, the music industry also needs to have relationships with business, trade, education, and the Home Office and the Foreign Office, among other bits of government.
And while some of the issues that the music industry regularly deals with - like copyright and visas - usually sit with the central UK government, other matters are handled by the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and/or regional and local authorities.
In that context, a single plan covering - in theory at least - all the issues faced by the music industry does make sense, even if the creation of that plan has been led by one department in the UK government, the Department For Culture, Media & Sport.
Possibly recognising these complexities, the government has also announced the appointment of a Music Champion to “strengthen engagement between government and the music industry and provide a dedicated advocate for the sector”.
That appointment will also be useful given that the culture ministers who have worked on the plan - including Lisa Nandy and Ian Murray - probably won’t be in culture roles any more by this time next week once Andy Burnham takes over as Prime Minister and instigates a massive government reshuffle. So at least there’ll be one public-facing person left with an interest in implementing the plan.
The Music Champion is former MP (and campaign manager for Burnham’s 2015 attempt at winning the Labour Party leadership) Michael Dugher, who also previously had a stint as CEO of cross sector trade group UK Music. He will initially hold the Music Champion role for one year.
Lots of people and organisations have commented on the publication of the plan - which is being formally unveiled at a UK Music event in London this evening - so here’s a load of quotes...
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy: “Music is our shared language. It brings people together, breaks down barriers and gives voice to every community. At a time when too many people feel disconnected, music has never mattered more.
As the song says, ‘Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts’. But pop is getting posher and that must change. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. After a decade of mindless vandalism that stripped culture and creativity from too many classrooms and communities, we are putting music back at the heart of education, investing in creative careers and backing grassroots music across the country.
“We believe music belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few. That’s how we widen opportunity, strengthen our communities and ensure the UK’s incredible fans and extraordinary musical talent continues to inspire the world for generations to come”.
Tom Kiehl, CEO of UK Music: “UK Music has previously called on the government to deliver a long-term music strategy to help safeguard and grow our world-leading industry that contributes £8 billion to the economy, brings in £4.8 billion in export revenues and supports 220,000 jobs. It is welcome that the government have listened to our calls and are launching a Music Plan.
This long term plan comes at a time when it is more crucial than ever that we join forces to find solutions to the challenges facing our world-leading sector. These include the impact of artificial intelligence on music creators and companies, the barriers to overseas touring, the threats music spaces face, the challenges small businesses and freelancers experience, and the need to protect music in schools.
“We look forward to working with the government, its music champion Michael Dugher, our members and the rest of the music industry to make the make the most of this opportunity, to build on the foundations that a Music Plan creates, and to ensure that our sector remains a pillar of growth which helps boost jobs and opportunities right across the UK".
Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE: “The UK has one of the most vibrant live music sectors anywhere in the world. Every week, thousands of artists, venues, festivals, promoters and crews come together to create experiences for millions of fans. This makes a significant contribution to our economy, culture and communities.
“It’s very encouraging to see government recognising the importance of music in the UK Music Plan. We must continue to back every part of the live music ecosystem, from grassroots venues and emerging artists through to the arenas, stadiums and festivals that showcase British talent to the world.
“LIVE Trust is a fine example of what can be achieved when the industry comes together for the greater good. Artists, promoters and audiences are already helping generate millions of pounds to support the grassroots sector, and we’ve received over six million pledges since LIVE Trust was introduced in January 2025. By continuing to work in partnership, government and industry can ensure the UK remains the best place in the world to discover, develop and experience live music”.
The Council Of Music Makers: “We welcome the publication of the government’s Music Plan and the appointment of Michael Dugher to the role of Music Champion, and look forward to working with him and the government to deliver this plan in a way that delivers maximum value and support for British music-makers.
Music-makers sit at the very heart of the music industry, together writing, composing, recording, producing and performing the music we all love; soundtracking our favourite films, games, TV shows and other media; creating and delivering incredible live music experiences; educating, nurturing and supporting new music talent; and building relationships with billions of music fans across the world.
As such, music-makers interact with government and policy-makers on a wide range of issues, including copyright, streaming, AI, ticketing, touring, visas, education and the need for an accessible, safe, equitable and inclusive music industry infrastructure, and an ecosystem that proactively and fairly supports the many businesses that music-makers work with and the businesses that they run.
The five organisations that make up the Council Of Music Makers, individually and collectively, constantly interact with the government, politicians and other music industry groups on all these areas, and the Music Plan and appointment of a Music Champion should significantly help with this work”.
Darren Henley, CEO of Arts Council England: “Music is one of the UK’s greatest exports, known and loved the world over. The government’s backing through the Music Plan is investing in our collective future, ensuring creative opportunities for generations to come. At the Arts Council, we’ll play our part by delivering the Music Growth Package, new investment that will make a difference to artists at every stage of their career, and to those who support them - from the studio to the stage”.
Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected: “Libraries have been inspiring a love of music for generations - whether that’s shaking maracas at a rhyme time session, borrowing a ukulele, exploring music collections or learning to use the latest music software.
Libraries are also well placed to support young people on pathways into the music industry, connecting them with skills, guidance and advice that may otherwise be out of reach. This funding will create even more opportunities for creativity and self-expression in communities across England, helping to develop the next generation of musicians, producers and creative talent”.