Labour councillors oppose control of buskers by 'cultural commissars'

13 February 2008

Labour councillors have objected to Lib Dem City Council proposals, published by the Cambridge Evening News last week, to introduce new controls on buskers in the city.

The Council has proposed changes to the rules governing busking. It suggests: 'If a badging scheme were introduced, we would potentially have more control over those performers who do not adhere to the Code of Practice. It could also lead to a higher standard of street entertainment in suitable areas and at suitable times'.

Labour councillors have objected that this would set Council officers up as 'cultural commissars' with new powers to approve some performers and not others.

Labour spokesperson and Deputy Leader Ben Bradnack said:

"Busking is not something for which performers can be 'badged', in the way the Council badges 'Big Issue' sellers. The variety of buskers is one of the delights of the Cambridge street scene. It is fine to control where and for how long they can play; so that pitches can be shared amongst performers. But the Council already has those powers. I don't believe any additional controls are necessary, and these proposals to extend them threaten the wonderful variety from which Cambridge currently benefits".

Council officers will now look again at the ways in which other historic cities such as York manage busking without undue interference.