The Department of Culture Media and Sport have recently announced a package of support to protect the arts sector through the COVID-19 crisis.

While welcome, this package doesn’t go far enough to protect companies in my Constituency, like Adlib Audio who provide lighting and sound engineering at live events. Adlib employ over 160 people locally, including some of my Constituents.

During the COVID-19 lockdown the live events sector simply hasn’t been able to operate. The Government has decided to end support schemes such as the Job Retention Scheme and Self Employment Support Scheme in October. However, it is still unlawful for live events to take place and many venues can’t operate commercially with the social distancing requirements still in place. The Government must support technical production companies like Adlib who, by law, are prevented from operating by providing them with a bespoke package of support until they can start up again safely.

You can read my question and the Minister’s disappointing response here.