article_snippet: George Osborne’s tax boost for orchestras fell flat yesterday when MPs claimed brass bands could be excluded.
article_snippet: A consultation paper published in January suggested that to qualify, ensembles would have to include string, woodwind, brass and percussion sections.
article_snippet: But Labour said Labour would leave out brass bands popular in the North of England and swiftly branded the policy a ‘trumpet tax’.
article_snippet: Labour said George Osborne's tax boost for orchestras would exclude brass bands (file picture)
article_snippet: Shadow culture minister Chris Bryant said it would exclude string orchestras like the London Sinfonia and accused George Osborne's of being ‘out of tune’.
article_snippet: The Treasury later insisted brass bands would be included, insisting the decision had been agreed weeks ago.
article_snippet: The Treasury said the 25 per cent tax relief from next year will apply to any group of 12 or more musicians playing instruments in any of the four orchestral sections.