The Fight for Fair Rates – Episode 20, The Last Safe Space

The Last Safe Space a straight-talking, data-driven podcast from Music Venue Trust. Each episode breaks down the biggest news affecting the UK’s grassroots music venues – from government policy to local wins, campaigns, crisis cases, and how you can take action to support live music. In this episode, Toni Coe sits down with Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, to break down the latest on Business Rates for grassroots music venues – and how the music industry came together to challenge recent increases. They also cover the progress of key campaigns, such as the grassroots levy, Agent of Change, licensing, and more. Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 04/01/2026 Join the Supporters Circle: https://save-our-venues.backstreetmerch.com/collections/membership Learn more about our work: https://www.musicvenuetrust.com