Request ID: FOI-3978-2324 Date published: 05 March 2024
You asked
This is an information request relating to busking in TfL tube stations.
Please include the following information:
• The total number of complaints related to buskers that were received in 2021/22?
• When was the last time a busking application was accepted?
• How many cases were reported in 2022 of people busking in London Tubes without a licence?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-3978-2324
Thank you for your request received on 7 February 2024 asking for information about busking on the London Underground.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. You asked for:
• The total number of complaints related to buskers that were received in 2021/22?
There were three complaints received about buskers.
• When was the last time a busking application was accepted?
Busking auditions were last held on the Tube in 2017. Licensed busking was suspended at various points during the pandemic, and as a result our focus was on bringing the programme back up to its full complement of stations before reopening the audition process. Applications for licenses were opened in November 2023, and in person auditions are being held on stations in February and March of 2024.
• How many cases were reported in 2022 of people busking in London Tubes without a licence?
We did not received any complaints about people busking on the Tube without a licence in 2022. Please note that complaints about unlicensed buskers are generally reported to the British Transport Police rather than TfL directly using the 61016 text service, so they may hold information on this.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
