NCO welcomes permanent extension of Orchestra Tax Relief

At National Children’s Orchestras we strongly welcome the permanent extension of the higher 45% rate of Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR), which was announced in today’s Spring Budget statement. 

We are delighted that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has recognised the value of culture, following the collective case made by the Association of British Orchestras (ABO), alongside theatres, museums and libraries. The permanent extension of the higher 45% rate of OTR, following the doubling of the rate of OTR in 2021, will help to counter the wider challenges facing arts and culture across the country. 

Today’s announcement is excellent news for British orchestras, including National Children’s Orchestras. The permanent extension of the higher 45% rate of OTR enables the sector to remain ambitious, building new audiences, creating positive social impact for local communities, supporting new productions, generating employment and developing future talent, in the face of continued economic pressures.  

For NCO, today’s announcement will enable projects that would not otherwise be possible without OTR, including: 

• NCO’s Projects programme that reaches over 430 children aged 8-14 years old every year from across the UK. Projects enables these children to experience orchestral playing, often for the first time and motivates them to continue to learn and develop a lifelong love of music.
• NCO’s engagement programme, connecting an extra 500 children and families with NCO each year through community and educational activities in schools, venues and in partnership with music education hubs.

Sophie Lewis, Chief Executive, National Children’s Orchestras said: “Today’s announcement means that NCO is able to continue to deliver its newly devised Projects and partnership engagement programmes as well as plans for increased activities, reaching up to 1000 more children and young people every year and creating lasting impact that supports their musical learning and wellbeing.”

The permanent extension of the higher 45% rate of OTR allows British orchestras to plan for the future with confidence, presenting major and innovative programming, including commissioning new works; further developing vital programmes that support health and wellbeing in local communities; supporting the future of the sector through music education; and planning international tours, enhancing the UK's cultural influence worldwide. 

As National Children’s Orchestras and our sector colleagues and partners seek creative solutions to the sector’s future growth and resilience, the continuity of this vital support is a welcome boost for the UK’s celebrated orchestras.