Moore Opposes Charity Music Licence Changes

12.00.00am GMT Thu 25th Feb 2010

Borders MP Michael Moore has hit out at Ministers over changes to music copyright licence rules that could cost the UK voluntary sector more than £20 million.

Government proposals announced in November mean that voluntary and charitable organisations will have to pay for licences to play recorded music on their premises from April 2010.

Mr Moore is backing a Parliamentary Motion calling on the government to maintain the current exemption on licences for not-for-profit organisations.

Commenting, Mr Moore said:

'Charities all over the country have seen their funding come under increased pressure as a result of the economic downturn. Ministers should be supporting the voluntary sector at this difficult time, not adding to the financial burden.

'These changes are ludicrous and disproportionate. Examples of those that will lose out could include a charitable youth centre holding a disco, a carers' association playing music to entertain the children, or charity shops whose volunteers listen to the radio in the staff room.

'Ministers must act now to stop these unfair rule changes and protect the income of the not-for-profit sector.'