A NEW proposal, which would mean charity events would have to pay royalties if they play music, has been slammed by a group which represents Colchester charities.

One of the town’s groups, which would be seriously hampered by the proposal, has also spoken out about its concerns after the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) said it wants to bring charities into line with other organisations.

Until now charities have been exempt from paying royalties on music played at public events, but if the proposals, currently under consultation, are brought in it could have far-reaching consequences for fundraising events such as discos, charity fashion shows and even village hall tea dances.

Carol Nice, group co-ordinator of Colchester’s Stepping Stones Nursery for special needs children, said it could have a major effect on the amount of funds it receives.

“It is not so much the money we raise for ourselves, it is the events people put on for us.

“We rely on those funds hugely, and if people who are organising a show or a disco to raise funds for us are having to then pay to get another licence, they will probably think it is not worth it,” she said.

She added: “We already have to pay a licence to put the television on in the nursery, but we would have to pay another fee for using the stereo which we have on as part of music therapy in our sensory room. It really would not be good news for charities like us.”

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