The Blockheads at Norwich Arts Centre – photo © Julian Swainson

 

 

Labour MP for Norwich South Clive Lewis is supporting live events venues in Norwich who are running into financial trouble after being forced to go dark because of Coronavirus. Clive is backing venues including Open,the Puppet Theatre, Theatre Royal and others who are lobbying central government for help.

Venues have told Clive that are struggling to cope with substantial overheads including business rates which commonly total tens of thousands of pounds annually. Clive has also heard concerns that none of the already-established Coronovirus support initiatives fully meet these venues’ needs.

Clive Lewis said:

“Local venues are telling me that they are slipping through the net in terms of financial support during this incredibly difficult period for them. Either there is nothing there for them or, as is the case with help for business rates, the support being offered isn’t nearly enough to cover their bills.

I know that the Arts Council have promised some support but it’s unclear how far that support will stretch, whether all of our city venues are eligible and there’s no information available about how to access that support anyway.”