It may have been in the news but I could not find anything online about any attempt to increase fees for recorded music – perhaps someone could oblige with this information?

The following however, is a site about PRS and folk music.

http://www.tomcc.freeserve.co.uk/musicmkfiles/PRS/prs.htm

I did find this about the concern about total costs.

MP speaks out on rateable value increase
The Publican Published 3rd December 2004

MP for Brentwood and Ongar Eric Pickles, has expressed concern about the increases in rateable value on the ability of licensees to run their pubs.
Licensees in his constituency have slammed the increases of up to 30 per cent and say it will have a significant impact on the costs of running their premises.
Mr Pickles said: "Such a large increase in rateable value could have a direct impact on the annual costs of running a pub, club or bar unless the rate charged in the pound drops significantly.
"These increases are on top of potential 1800 per cent increases in fees for licences and other increased costs through new legislation being introduced by the Government."

ENDS
I think I am correct in saying that the level of the new Licensing Act fees will be banded on the premises ratable value.

I cannot see that the effect of all these increases are going to encourage many small pubs to pay musicians to provide live music.