Opera House faces price scrutiny

Arts organisations such as the Royal Opera House face the risk of losing their charitable status over ticket prices under a proposed bill.

According to the draft charities bill, organisations granted charitable status will have to demonstrate how they provide benefit to the public.

"Expect the Charity Commission to take increasing interest in what you charge," a Home Office official warned at a seminar.

However, organisations like the Royal Opera remain confident that the performances alone justify their charitable status, as an organisation providing a benefit to the public.

"Our principle continues to be the presentation of opera and ballet performances at an international level at the opera house, on tour and overseas," said a spokesman for the Royal Opera House (ROH).

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