The Green Party has today pledged an extra £5bn over five years for local government spending to keep local museums, theatres, music venues, libraries and art galleries open and thriving.
The Party says its Green MPs will push for VAT to be axed on local theatre and cultural events and for hospitality. Greens are also calling for musicians to have access to visa-free travel to the EU.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Our cultural and heritage venues have been victim to savage government cuts over the years. That’s why the Greens are pulling back the curtain to reveal our offer for arts, heritage and culture. We want to give local authorities a £5bn boost over 5 years to help keep local museums, theatres, small music venues, libraries and art galleries open and thriving.
“Arts, heritage and culture are important to many people’s enjoyment of life and help boost mental health and wellbeing. These sectors also make a valuable contribution to the UK economy.
“Green MPs will also push for cultural events – everything from theatre and museum tickets to gigs in local pubs – to be exempt from paying VAT. We also want to see hospitality served up VAT free. We believe this will give these sectors a much-needed further boost.
“Finally, since Brexit, British musicians have faced costly bills to obtain visas if they wish to play in some EU countries. Greens want visa free travel to the EU for musicians and will press the next government to negotiate an arrangement for this at the earliest possible opportunity.”