PRS for Music has committed to supporting grassroots music by waiving fees on the £1 levy.
Announced yesterday (February 11) at the Night Time Economy Summit 2026 in Liverpool, the rights collective pledges to exclude the voluntary £1-per-ticket payment received by LIVE Trust and Music Venues Trust from its licence fee calculations. This ensures that every penny is protected for grassroots music.
Gavin Larkins, director of commercial development at PRS, additionally shared that it is undertaking a broader, holistic look at modernising PRS’s live tariffs following feedback from across the sector, as part of its aims to better support the live music ecosystem.
The levy announcement has been welcomed by Ian Murray MP, minister for creative industries, media and arts, who said: “The UK’s world-famous music industry relies on the strength of our live music scene. The £1 on stadium and arena tickets is a fantastic initiative and we welcome PRS for Music’s commitment to supporting the grassroots. This scheme is all about putting money back into the ecosystem of the sector, so it’s only right that every penny goes into supporting grassroots venues, festivals, artists and promoters.
“However, to truly transform the sector, we need everyone on board. I am calling on the whole industry to adopt this contribution to protect the future of live music. Real cross sector collaboration like this is exactly what the music industry needs - it creates opportunities for emerging talent.”
Kirsty McShannon, chair of LIVE Trust, added: “We’re extremely grateful to PRS for Music for agreeing to waive PRS fees on the £1 from every ticket that supports LIVE Trust. This is a meaningful step that will ensure more of that £1 reaches grassroots music.”
She continued: “The voluntary contribution depends on collective action across the live music ecosystem. By listening to industry feedback and removing this layer of cost, PRS has taken a significant step towards making the initiative more workable in practice – helping to reduce barriers and reinforcing a shared commitment to the grassroots sector that underpins the entire industry.”
This is a meaningful step that will ensure more of that £1 reaches grassroots music
Kirsty McShannon
Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO of PRS for Music added: “Grassroots venues are where songs become livelihoods. We’re backing the LIVE Trust funding mechanic to ensure that every penny is reinvested in the ecosystem that benefits everyone, from promoters and venues to emerging artists and songwriters across the UK.
“Today’s announcement comes as we commit to a multi-year review of our live music tariffs. Through this review, all parts of this essential value chain, including customers, members and the industry, can support streamlined, fair and future-proof licensing.essential value chain, including customers, members and the industry, can support streamlined, fair and future-proof licensing.”
The move is a part of PRS for Music’s latest Livelihood campaign, which educates artists in royalties distribution and seeks out collaboration across the music industry.
PHOTO: Bedford Esquires
