A national music charity has warned that grassroots music venues in Scotland could close unless action is taken on Business Rates.
Music Venue Trust said recent revaluations have led to sharp increases for venues, with Scotland now lagging behind the rest of the UK.
The charity represents hundreds of grassroots music venues across the country, including small live music spaces that operate on tight budgets.
Figures compiled by the trust show Scottish venues are around three times more likely than those in England to face increases of 50 per cent or more in rates payable.
The charity said similar concerns have already been addressed elsewhere. The UK Government has introduced targeted relief for live music venues. Wales has followed with similar steps, while Northern Ireland has launched a review of its entire Business Rates system.
Stina Tweeddale, Scotland Coordinator for Music Venue Trust, said the evidence had already been considered by other governments. She said: “Three governments have now looked at the same evidence and reached the same conclusion: the valuations are wrong for grassroots music venues and action is required.”
Tweeddale said the new rateable values do not reflect how venues operate or what they can afford. She said the increases were “demonstrably wrong” and based on assumptions that do not match reality.
Music Venue Trust is calling on the Scottish Government to work with the sector on a temporary fix while longer-term reform is developed. It also wants clear long-term plans set out in election manifestos later this year.
The charity said it is seeking consistency with the rest of the UK, not special treatment. Tweeddale said: “We are asking for consistency, proportionality and basic fairness.”
Musician Ben Lovett said grassroots venues play a key role in local communities and local economies. He said they support jobs, nearby businesses and local culture, and warned that losing them would be a greater loss than the rates they struggle to pay.
Music Venue Trust said the consequences of inaction are clear. Tweeddale said: “Grassroots music venues operate on extremely fine margins. Sudden, unjustified hikes in Business Rates are enough to tip otherwise viable venues into closure. Once they are gone, they do not come back.”