A petition has been launched by The Music Producers Guild and UK Music asking for support for more than 500 studios across the UK
The Music Producers Guild and UK Music are urging the government to recognise recording studios as eligible for reduced business rates from April 2026.
In a petition addressed to chancellor Rachel Reeves, MPG and UK Music argue that the move could “safeguard hundreds of vital cultural spaces”, which are currently excluded from support under the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) scheme.
“This is a once in a generation chance to safeguard some of the UK’s most iconic recording studios,” it reads. “We are asking the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to give recording studios their own business rates classification.”
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Currently, recording studios in the UK do not qualify for business rates relief, which gives those in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors financial support.
With over 500 recording studios in operation across the UK, MPG and UK Music are urging the government to treat these spaces like grassroots music venues and help to protect them as “crucial parts of the music ecosystem”.
“Unlike venues, [recording studios] don’t benefit from any of the schemes set up to help [other] sectors survive the cost of living crisis,” the petition reads. “This places them at a significant disadvantage compared to comparable venues.”
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The petition also asks that, when the government introduces two lower business rates tiers for RHL properties in April 2026, it includes recording studios.
It argues that these spaces offer “customer-facing leisure and cultural services” that fit the RHL definition to be eligible for reduced business rates. The petition has so far received 400 signatures of a target of 500.
“Our world-leading studios are a critical part of the UK music industry,” says UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl. “They nurture talent, attract global stars to work here and help create music loved by millions across the world. However, many are struggling to survive in the wake of rising costs.”
Sign the petition here.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter
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