By Aline Nassif

aline.nassif@essnmedia.co.uk

A petition has been launched to save hundreds of voluntary groups that play music from a new Government tax in April.

Jason Hadden, the Tory parliamentary candidate for Croydon North, says more than 1,000 groups in the borough, including charities, churches and youth clubs, would be affected by the "bonkers" levy.

He is therefore urging residents across Croydon to sign his online petition to stop the so-called performance rights licence (PRL) being ratified by Parliament in April.

Clement Okusi, from Thornton Heath's Potters House church, is among those who would be affected.

"I am really shocked at this move by the Government, it is completely absurd," he said.

"Charitable groups have been struggling with a huge drain on resources as a result of the recession and the increase in people needing help.

"We should be getting a leg-up from the Government, and not being pushed down.

"Music to my congregation is everything. To make us pay more to worship and support our community is the lowest of the low."

Charities and voluntary groups have enjoyed long-standing exemption from music licensing rules.

But Mr Hadden says Croydon's churches, village halls, charity shops and youth clubs would face an extra estimated £80 cost each year for playing music.

While this may not seem a lot, he says it could bring small charity shops and groups in financial difficulty to breaking point.

He said: "This will even affect charity shops that have a radio in their staff room.

"Some organisations will stop playing music because they can't afford a licence.

"This is absolutely bonkers. I spent Christmas morning at a beautiful service at Pastor Okusi's church and the thought that we would be taxed for playing live music at such an event is madness."

*To sign Mr Hadden's petition, which he plans to hand to the Prime Minister, visit www.jasonhadden.co.uk.