On Tuesday 15th October there was a debate in the House of Lords described as “Tax Reliefs: Theatre, Orchestra and Museums and Galleries Exhibition – Question“. Several people responded with the Minister, Lord Livermore, Spencer Livermore, the The Financial Secretary to the Treasury responding to the comments. The Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson asked “Can the Minister say whether the Government have formed a view on extending the relief to choirs”. This Bishop appears to be a new contributor to the House of Lords. Here is his on full comment and the response from Lord Livermore which can be found here:

The Bishop of Guildford: My Lords, the current relief offered to instrumental groups of 12 or more players does not extend to choirs, a situation that is logically indefensible, especially given the growing popularity of choirs across the nation. Can the Minister say whether the Government have formed a view on extending the relief to choirs, as requested by musical organisations all around the country, not least given the recent questions over the future of the BBC Singers?

Lord Livermore: Orchestra concerts with a vocal element are not excluded from the orchestra tax relief. Concerts with a vocal element, such as a choir, may be eligible if the instrumentalists are the primary focus of the concert. The current rules ensure that the orchestra tax relief meets its objective of supporting and incentivising orchestra concerts specifically.