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As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, this government is committed to supporting a thriving music sector where creators can build sustainable careers and are fairly rewarded for their work.

The government has been convening stakeholders from across the music industry through the Creator Remuneration Working Group to address concerns over low creator earnings, as raised in the DCMS Select Committee’s 2021 report into music streaming.

The outcome of this process is a set of measures that are designed to deliver real benefits for UK creators. This takes the form of a set of Principles created by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), as well as individual commitments made by major labels. Together, these measures seek to support fair remuneration for the creators that form the bedrock of the industry, as well as enhancing the growth of the overall UK music sector.

The agreed Principles, which have been adopted by the BPI and the Association of Independent Music (AIM) and recommended to their UK members, will provide targeted support for legacy artists, songwriters and session musicians. The UK divisions of the world’s largest three labels, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group, have committed to delivering the Principles and have developed bespoke programmes to do so, which are estimated by labels to deliver tens of millions of pounds to creators by 2030. This marks a further step towards improving terms and practices in relation to music streaming and ensuring the market works for everyone. Crucially, they are also committing to far greater clarity on how legacy artists can seek renegotiation of their contracts.

The government is committed to ensuring that these measures are delivered in full, in order to improve conditions for UK music makers. To track progress and measure success, the government will work with industry to implement a robust process to monitor and review the impact of the Principles in a year’s time. Working closely with members of the Working Group, including the Council of Music Makers, to consider and implement this evaluation and understand the extent to which the Principles have improved earnings as intended, the government will then assess the need for further intervention to ensure this package delivers on its objective to bring about real change. The Principles announced today will complement the industry Code of Good Practice on Transparency and the Industry Agreement on Metadata published in 2024 and mark a major milestone in the government’s work with the music industry in response to the Culture Media Sport Select Committee’s 2021 Report on the Economics of Music Streaming.

Label-led Principles

The Principles will be recommended by BPI and AIM to their many UK label members to deliver meaningful action to support creators across the music sector.

BPI’s 3 largest members, Universal Music Group UK, Sony Music Entertainment UK and Warner Music UK, are introducing company programmes to implement the Principles. For those labels already demonstrating best practice, particularly many independent labels, these Principles will augment their existing practices. Another key benefit of the Principles is educational, helping to ensure new labels and music entrepreneurs can operate fairly from their inception.

Due to the array of different business models in the independent music sector, smaller labels are encouraged to introduce similar targeted support in a manner that is proportionate and fitting with the specifics of their businesses.

The Principles recommend that labels introduce or extend the following targeted support for the UK:

The government has also committed to continue looking at the issue of streaming remuneration for session musicians and has convened a meeting in September 2025 with industry representatives, including BPI, AIM, Musicians’ Union, FAC and ERA.

Government response

The government warmly welcomes these label-led actions and recognises their potential to improve incomes and working conditions for UK artists, songwriters and composers, studio producers and session musicians.

We are pleased to note that the three major UK record labels have each launched new packages to provide bespoke marketing, administrative and educational support for legacy artists still actively pursuing a music career, as well as support for new and emerging songwriter talent and higher fees for session musicians.

These measures are unique to the UK and distinguish us from global competitors. We expect them to deliver meaningful benefits - particularly for those legacy artists whose music continues to be enjoyed via streaming but who have yet to see the best financial outcome from streaming.

This agreement will sit alongside our Music Growth Package, announced as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan. The package will see government funding for the industry more than doubled up to £10 million a year for the next three years, helping UK artists achieve domestic and international success, while nurturing the growth of the grassroots music scene.

This government looks forward to the music industry advancing this work on music streaming and delivering on our objectives of promoting a sustainable music ecosystem that truly supports its creators.

Background

In May 2023, the previous government announced plans to convene the Creator Remuneration Working Group as part of its response to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s inquiry into the economics of music streaming.

As a forum to advance industry-led dialogue, the group has been meeting regularly since 2024. Chaired by Minister Bryant, the group comprises representatives of the music creator community, major and independent record labels, music publishers, streaming platforms and collective management organisations.

The Working Group’s Terms of Reference and membership list can be found below:

The Working Group met 6 times, 4 of which were held under the current government. DCMS Ministers have attended the majority of the Working Group meetings, and have met regularly with key members of the Group to drive progress.

The Principles: A new deal for legacy artists, songwriters and session musicians in the modern music streaming economy.