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As a passionate music lover, I have always appreciated the joy and entertainment that buskers bring to our high streets. However, it has come to my attention that the current licencing fees for buskers in Hillingdon are extortionate and unfair.

At present, buskers are required to pay a fee of £37.50 each time they want to perform on the streets of Hillingdon and are restricted to just 2 hours. This is an incredibly high amount of money, especially considering that many buskers are struggling artists who rely on their performances as a source of income.

I believe that the council should instead implement a yearly licence fee for buskers, with a maximum charge of £75.00 annually and make free pitches available at certain times of year, offered  to those who bring increased footfall to the high street. This would not only make it easier and more affordable for talented musicians to perform in public spaces but also encourage more people to visit our local businesses.

According to research conducted by The Busking Project, street performers can increase footfall by up to 30% in some areas. By offering free pitches and reducing licencing fees, we could attract more talented musicians and performers who will help boost our local economy.

I urge the members of Hillingdon Borough Council to take action now and scrap these unfair licencing fees for buskers. Let's make our streets vibrant with music once again!

#savethemusic

Sources:
- The Busking Project: https://busk.co/research/