London, England. Photo Credit: Zara Johnson

The UK government has unveiled its “Turn It Up” music industry support (and reform) plan, including fresh funding, “stable, pro-growth regulatory framework” commitments, music education initiatives, and more.

To put it mildly, there’s quite a lot going on in the newly published “Turn It Up” policy paper, which spans 16,500 words and explores everything from driving sync growth (“We want to increase the volume and value of sync deals with UK artists”) to curbing harassment and discrimination.

(On the sync side, the government’s “convening the BPI with the British Film Commission and Games London to create and strengthen connections between the British music industry and international studio leadership.” And regarding NDAs, officials are working towards “banning the use of NDAs in cases of harassment and discrimination, a practice that has been far too common in the music sector.”)

But in terms of key takeaways, the Music Growth Package is now equipped with £45 million (currently $60.2 million) for 2026-29, up from $40.1 million/£30 million originally, with plans to “fund over 2,000 projects over the next 3 years, supporting over 40,000 artists and professionals,” according to the policy paper.

With Arts Council England handling the overall capital-deployment process, the BPI is preparing to dole out $6.4 million/£4.8 million as part of a “Music Exports Growth Scheme.” Meanwhile, the cash will complement existing programs – “We already support grassroots music funding with £4 million [$5.4 million] a year,” per the document.

(Additionally, live “venues will get a 15% cut to new bills for the 2026/27 financial year, followed by a two-year real-terms freeze to bills through to 2028/29.” Plus, grassroots venues as well as festivals are expected to benefit from “new, business-friendly guidance” concerning permits and more.)

That leads to a recurring theme throughout the paper: Private companies must keep up on their voluntary efforts or face possible legislative action, the government emphasized in different words.   

On the live front, this refers to the current £1-per-ticket contribution from shows with at least 5,000 attendees. The capital backs the grassroots sub-sector, and if necessary, “we are clear that we are prepared to explore legislative options to support this industry initiative and ensure the sustainability of our world-leading live music industry,” the government spelled out.

When it comes to the major labels’ Principles “to boost income for UK music creators,” a wait-and-see approach isn’t in the cards. Rather, “[w]orking with industry, the government has now agreed arrangements to monitor the implementation of these Principles, to ensure this translates into real-world impact.”

“We will review progress in 2027, to determine whether further intervention is needed to deliver on our objective to bring about real change,” the paper proceeds.

Internships and other no-pay work arrangements are evidently at issue as well. The UK government is “reviewing and expanding our guidance to ensure everyone is clear on how the law on minimum wage applies to them.” And on top of a crackdown targeting alleged violations, plans are in motion “to help young people understand their rights and what action they can take if they are not paid properly.”

Closing on music education, beginning in September 2028, an overhauled national curriculum “in all state-funded schools” will aim to “provide every child with a strong foundation in musical understanding.”

Before then, a National Centre for Arts and Music Education, backed by up to $14.9 million/£13 million, is poised to launch this coming September. Beginning in August 2027, the National Centre will oversee the Music Hubs network, which supports partners with $101.7 million/£76 million per year with an eye on maximizing music education access.

“Every library authority in England, with partners such as Music Hubs, will be eligible for specific investment for cutting edge musical equipment and to run programmes and activities,” the government added.

Helping the implementation along is former UK Music head Michael Dugher, who’s been named “Music Champion” and “will act as a conduit between government and the sector to increase the reach of the” program.

Additionally, Abbey Road Studios MD Sally Davies has signed on as “AI Champion,” and a “Creative Freelance Champion” will be appointed “shortly.”

In a statement, Association of Independent Music (AIM) CEO Gee Davy described the plan as “a great starting point” while calling for “a further step to effectively incentivise investment in new music.”

Here’s Davy’s full statement about the UK government’s newly detailed plan:

“The attention and recognition in the government’s new Music Plan of the need to address all aspects of our interwoven music ecosystem is very welcome. As is the acknowledgement of the need to develop and support small business infrastructure UK-wide, rather than see power concentrated in the hands of just a few, in order to ensure the UK’s future as the pinnacle of musical innovation.

“The plan is a great starting point with many promising elements which we look forward to helping shape and refine. For example, ensuring that export priorities match those of the independent sector, and that music SMEs can truly participate in boosting youth employment. We welcome the value placed on sync licensing as a growth driver and look forward to receiving the government’s renewed support to revive AIM Sync, the UK’s highly successful global sync marketplace and conference.

“We urge the government to take a further step to effectively incentivise investment in new music, with an investigation into the challenging environment surrounding studios and the music production cycle. We believe this will demonstrate the need for a music creation tax incentive, similar to the successful one for film and TV. This would de-risk investment, unlock funding, and empower SMEs to invest in emerging artists and release the world’s most exciting music, and next generation of stars.”