To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the culture secretary has had with the Music Venue Trust regarding the introduction of a ticket levy, on a voluntary or statutory basis, for stadium and arena shows, to support grass-roots culture venues. (S6O-03773)

The Scottish Government fully values both the importance of the music industry to Scotland’s culture and the role that venues play in the talent pipeline. I met the Music Venue Trust in May to discuss the difficulties that the industry faces at grass-roots level and the proposal for a ticket levy to alleviate those and to help build a sustainable live music ecosystem. The Scottish Government is keen to continue to engage with the industry to support sector-led initiatives.

I am pleased that the cabinet secretary has met the Music Venue Trust. However, I am not quite clear whether he has expressed a view on the basic policy yet.

This summer, as the cabinet secretary will know, there have been huge stadium performances in Scotland by the likes of Taylor Swift, Foo Fighters and Pink. The Music Venue Trust has shown that the introduction of a levy, which has already been done in countries such as France, could raise well over £1 million a year to support the sector during a very difficult time.

I am sure that the cabinet secretary is well aware of the cultural importance of independent venues, which are not necessarily charitable—

Can we have a question, please, Mr Harvie?

Some are commercial, some are funded and some are not. A levy would be a really powerful measure to support venues that are integral to the culture of our towns and cities.

I agree with Patrick Harvie about the importance of agreeing to support venues. I raised that issue with my culture secretary opposite number in the previous United Kingdom Government, and I will raise it with Lisa Nandy of the new UK Government.

Patrick Harvie will appreciate that the proposal involves significant reserved powers. I am keen to better understand its deliverability, which is part of a dialogue that I look forward to continuing to have with the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Despite the financial implications of the new Labour Government’s financial decisions, it is welcome that the Scottish National Party Government is still increasing funding to the culture sector by almost £16 million this financial year to a total of £196.6 million. Will the cabinet secretary outline how that funding and the money that is being sent out by Creative Scotland ensure support for culture venues throughout Scotland?

The additional £15.8 million in culture funding this financial year is the first stage in our commitment to £100 million more per year for culture funding by 2028-29. The additional funding this financial year includes £13.2 million for Creative Scotland, which is being used to support its network of regularly funded organisations, including the Scottish Music Industry Association, as well as providing additional funding towards the Creative Scotland open fund for individuals and additional support to Screen Scotland.