The music sector has faced years of underfunding, resulting in significant losses in music education personnel and raising concerns about the impact of generative AI on the industry.

The U.K. creative industries are expressing alarm over significant budget cuts announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent Spring Statement, fearing further damage to an already struggling sector.

In her Spring Statement delivered on March 26, 2025, Chancellor Reeves proposed a 15% reduction in administrative budgets for government departments, including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Despite a commitment to increase funding for education, the latest budget outlines a decrease in real-term spending across various departments, raising concerns about the future of arts and culture.

Industry leaders have criticized the government for ignoring evidence of economic devastation in the nightlife sector, warning that without necessary support measures, widespread closures and job losses could occur.

Michael Kill, CEO of the Nighttime Industries Association, expressed outrage at the government's failure to address the economic struggles facing nightclubs, predicting that many could become extinct by 2029.

Gee Davy, CEO of the Association of Independent Music (AIM), called for targeted support for the music sector, noting that creative industries like music have been excluded from beneficial tax relief schemes.

Ben Selway from Access Creative College emphasized the urgent need to address the decline in music education and the closure of grassroots venues, which are vital to the music ecosystem.

The government's recent focus on AI investment has not addressed critical concerns regarding copyright laws and the potential exploitation of music by AI developers, prompting calls for urgent policy rethinking.

Sophie Brownlee, External Affairs Manager at the Music Venue Trust, highlighted the financial strain on grassroots music venues, which collectively made only £2.5 million in gross profit last year while facing demands for an additional £7 million in premises taxes.

Prominent artists, including Ed Sheeran, have called on the government to prioritize music education funding, underscoring its importance to culture and community.

Davy argued that without support, initiatives for growth and wage increases would be ineffective, as rising costs disproportionately affect grassroots music businesses.