Charitable bodies and other not-for-profit organisations have been exempt from paying for a licence for public performance rights when playing recorded music in their premises. However, in early November 2009, the Government response to the consultation on changes to music licensing announced that it would repeal the exemptions and change the system of charging. The reason given is that the exemptions are in breach of a European Directive on certain rights relating to copyright. The new rules will come into force in April 2010.

There will be a new joint licensing scheme between Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and PRS for Music to simplify the licence process overall. Also PPL will be "consulting Third Sector organisations with the Community Sector Law Monitoring Group to agree affordable tariffs". This is UK-wide.

NCVO have launched a Don't Stop the Music campaign which includes a briefing on the new music licensing rules.
 
Community Matters, along with members of the Community Sector Law Monitoring Group (CSLMG), is also lobbying hard against the recent Government decision to make changes in music licensing legislation to repeal statutory exemptions for community organisations. The changes are likely to lead to substantial increases in the cost to community organisations using recorded and live music in their centres. They need evidence on how community organisations will be affected in order to propose a viable alternative. Please complete their survey before the 8th January 2010.