The UK government has launched a consultation to address issues surrounding ticket touting and dynamic pricing in the live events sector. In a parliamentary debate on Monday, MPs expressed concerns about the exploitation of fans and the lack of transparency in ticket sales, and called for more protection for customers.
Chris Bryant, the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism crticised the ticket touting industry. Describing the practice as “indefensible,” the MP for Rhondda and Ogmore said it “preys on fans, contributes nothing to artists or the industry, and undermines trust in the ticketing system.”
“It’s indefensible. It trades off other people’s hopes. And it doesn’t return a single penny to the artists, the performers, the venue, the industry or the sport. We said we would tackle this. And that’s what we’re doing.” @RhonddaBryant
We’ve launched a consultation into ticket… pic.twitter.com/TTYj03uOSO
— Department for Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) January 14, 2025
Bryant suggested a licensing system for ticket resellers, alongside simplification and clarification of existing rules, regulations and legislatature to make enforcement more effective. Currently, prosecutions are rare, and international sellers often evade British laws, with one MP claiming that there has been as few as six prosecutions since sentences were introduced.
Dynamic pricing, which adjusts ticket prices based on demand, was also brought up. Bryant acknowledged that while some instances of dynamic pricing, such as early-bird tickets, can benefit fans, the practice often leads to price surges that cause frustration, and encourages customers to act on impulse. “It seems horribly unfair for someone logged into the system to see the ticket price going up—£120, £125, £130—because that creates a sense of panic,” he said.
The Government’s proposals to take on ticket touts will reduce the need for @Ticketmaster @LiveNation to deploy dynamic ticket pricing…. won’t it? @DCMS @RhonddaBryant pic.twitter.com/AID6FcvYlU — Caroline Dinenage MP (@cj_dinenage) January 14, 2025
Caroline Dinenage, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, supported the need for reform, arguing that “if the Government act decisively to stop large-scale touting, there will be less need for promoters like Live Nation to use dynamic pricing.”
https://t.co/V9faRqAiH3 — Culture, Media and Sport Committee (@CommonsCMS) January 10, 2025
Several MPs used the debate to stress the importance of greater transparency in ticket pricing. Iqbal Mohamed called for clear breakdowns of ticket prices and fees before purchase, allowing consumers to make informed decisions. It was also revealed that some sites wouldn’t show the original ticket price and adjusted price on the same page.
This has been an area of concern for some time, but was highlighted over the Summer after the Oasis ticket fiasco. MP for Ealing and East Acton, Rupa Huq, has been trying to address the issue in a private members bill, which she claims has been the subject of “Friday filibustering”.
Who’s the biggest artist you’ve seen before they got big?@efoody welcomes the Government’s commitment to real music fans, and @RhonddaBryant makes it clear why putting the fan experience first is so important. pic.twitter.com/soRgGhvMrt
— Co-operative Party (@CoopParty) January 14, 2025
Beyond ticketing, Bryant emphasised the broader importance of live events to the UK’s musical heritage. He called for a “whole-of-music” approach, including better funding for grassroots venues and creative education. “Wouldn’t it be good if every child had the opportunity to go to live music at least once a year?” he asked.
Bryant’s suggestion of a “musical education” hints at trying to make the wider public aware of the value of music, and bring about an appreciation of smaller artists and venues too. However, this effort will be in vain if the government doesn’t get their approach to grassroots venues and the incoming ticket levy right.
Lots of talk on the news about gig ticket prices, and setting limits on how much people can resell tickets for. I’d like to see a levy on tickets sold for arena gigs, with the money raised going to @musicvenuetrust to help ensure new acts have places to play, securing the future. — Phil Seymour (@announcerphil) January 10, 2025
While MPs largely agreed on the need for reform, it is the enforcement of any new rules that will give the government the most challenges. Julian Lewis raised concerns about the ease with which touts could bypass regulations through small, undercover sales on sites like eBay, as well as sales that take place in person. This would remove any of the existing legal protections offered by the current system.
While Bryant seems armed to answer any question thrown at him, only time will tell if the governments changed approach wil achieve the desired outcome, and hopefully the consultation will give suggestions on the best course of action for the general public.
