British pop music has become “too posh”, with state educated children having little opportunity to smash the charts like previous working class superstars such as Oasis, Black Sabbath and Status Quo. That was the warning as a plan to supercharge the £8bn industry was unveiled, with a range of new powers and investment primed to help young people get involved in music. From artists and fans to venues, festivals, labels and music businesses, the government’s new Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music aims to create conditions for the nation’s “world-leading” sector to continue to grow, innovate and succeed.

The new strategy comes as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy warned that working class children were being excluded, thanks to a generational decline in music education. Labour blamed former Education Secretary Michael Gove’s eBacc system, which it said prioritised maths and science subjects at the expense of creative subjects – prompting a 40% drop in pupils studying music at GCSE.

The current crop of British big names hail from wealthy public schools where music was allowed to flourish, and includes Fred Again who attended Marlborough College, Charlie XCX, educated at Bishop’s Stortford College, Jessie Ware, a pupil at James Allen’s Girls School in Dulwich, Florence and the Machine, who attended Thomas’s London Day School and Allleyn’s School, Dua Lipa, who attended Sylvia Young Theatre School, Lily Allen, a pupil at Millfield School, Chris Martin of Coldplay who attended Sherborne School and Exeter Cathedral School, and Ed Sheeran, an alumni of Rishworth School.

Ms Nandy said: “Music is our shared language. It brings people together, breaks down barriers and gives voice to every community. At a time when too many people feel disconnected, music has never mattered more.

“As the song says, ‘Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts.’ But pop is getting posher, and that must change. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.

“After a decade of mindless vandalism that stripped culture and creativity from too many classrooms and communities, we are putting music back at the heart of education, investing in creative careers and backing grassroots music across the country.

“We believe music belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few. That’s how we widen opportunity, strengthen our communities and ensure the UK’s incredible fans and extraordinary musical talent continues to inspire the world for generations to come.

The plan will see £12.5 million invested to transform libraries into ‘music lending’ spaces with a free studio and live performance opportunities. A similar model has already been successfully adopted in Leeds and the aim is to role it out nationwide with the project co-designed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF).

Libraries will be able to apply for the funding to create free studio spaces with recording booths, mixing desks and state-of-the-art equipment.

Dr Renuka Fernando, chief executive of the ESF, said: “The Music in Libraries programme is an important step forward for music education.

“By expanding access to music beyond the classroom, our library network can help ensure that children and young people from communities across England have the opportunity to engage with music, regardless of where they live.

“ESF will work closely with government, libraries, music teachers, youth clubs and the music industry to help design the programme and maximise its impact.

“Through this collaboration, we hope more young people will experience the many benefits of music education, from building confidence and strengthening communities to fostering creativity, self-expression and positive mental wellbeing.”

Launched this week as part of the previously announced Music Growth Package, the plan also includes a £15 million cash injection from Arts Council England, bringing the funding to a total of £45 million to support more than 2,000 projects and at least 40,000 artists and music professionals over the next three years.

The funding will also be used to support mid-career artists, band managers, labels and publishers.

The newly launched Music Plan also includes longer, more secure licences for festivals and other events, with minimum three-year contracts for new events and five-year contracts for existing events.

It has also appointed the Government’s first Music Champion, former chief executive of UK Music, Michael Dugher, who will be responsible for strengthening engagement between the Government and the music industry, providing a dedicated advocate for the sector.

Youth Music Co-CEO, Carol Reid, said: “Music changes lives, but access is still unequal. This plan is a welcome step towards changing that. For the first time, we’re seeing a strategy that connects young people, fans and the music industries, recognising both the social and commercial power of music – something we’ve long called for. People say talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. At Youth Music, we’d go further: demand is everywhere, but resources are not. So, the priority now is turning ambition into meaningful support for the young people and communities currently missing out.”

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “The success of UK music depends on every part of the ecosystem working together. That means supporting not only artists and venues, but also festivals, promoters, clubs, DJs, producers, electronic music and the independent businesses that develop talent and create opportunities across the country. These are all vital parts of our music landscape and deserve recognition and support.

“The commitments to invest in grassroots music, reform festival licensing and support future talent are positive steps. There is still work ahead to secure the long term sustainability of venues, clubs and independent operators, but this plan provides a strong foundation and we look forward to continuing to work with government and industry partners to help deliver it.”