In addition the report argues that local authorities with new powers to adjust and retain business rates should, it says, use this opportunity to support cultural, leisure and entertainment services. The report proposes that they:
- consider relief on business rates for grassroots music venues;
- adopt the ‘agent of change’ principle putting the responsibility for preventing noise disturbance on new developments rather than existing establishments;
- refrain from implementing the discretionary late-night levy, which permits them to charge for policing at music venues that supply alcohol during the night; and
- use the register of Assets of Community Value to protect cultural hubs, including music venues and nightclubs.
It also advocates them using their powers to protect venues from harmful development. It cites the example of Wandsworth Council, which took this route to recognise the importance of night-life and protect more than 100 pubs and venues from being closed. Read more.
Dowload the report.
