Government Consultation on the Ticket Market

Emma Foody, MP for Cramlington and Killingworth, has welcomed the Government’s new consultation into the ticket market following her campaign in conjunction with the Co-operative party to demand better for fans.

Emma Foody MP said about the consultation “I am pleased that the Government has brought forwards a consultation on the ticketing market. Having raised this issue at PMQs in September after the Oasis tour ticketing disaster and then again while leading a debate in Parliament on the issue I am glad that the Government are able to act to end a practice that limits access to culture for so many people across the country.”

The Labour and Co-operative MP added “I am glad that the measures that the Government has set out were some of the solutions that were discussed during the Westminster Hall Debate in October. Action to cap resale amounts up to 30% above face value will allow real fans no longer able to attend to get their money back and prevent the scandal we have seen so many times where tickets cost thousands more than originally sold for, all while none of it goes to the artist whose performance makes it possible. I additionally welcome new powers to enforce this, against both platforms that allow bots to scalp 1000s of tickets, and against the touts themselves who often sell tickets they don’t even have for extortionate prices.”

Joe Fortune, General Secretary of the Co-operative Party, said “This consultation is welcome news for campaigners but also for live music fans everywhere. Ticket touts chasing profit have been allowed to rip-off fans and undermine the live music scene for too long, and the government has taken an important step today to crack down on their reckless trade.

“The Co-operative Party has been clear throughout our history – consumers deserve to be championed at every level of politics, and music fans are no exception. We will continue campaigning to ensure everyone has good access to music and culture.”

Image attribution – Abigail Lynn