"In Europe, Harding says, standard preparations for a concert might be three or four rehearsals plus a dress rehearsal; in the UK, it will be two plus a dress rehearsal. This is also an issue for composers: a piece premiered by a UK group might get a third of the rehearsal time it would in France or Austria. Like so many things, it's a question of funding. British cultural institutions have traditionally run on a combination of earned income and state support, while in continental Europe there is a much greater level of public funding (though this is becoming less luxurious). According to Ayres, "Twenty or 30 composers can make a living [in Holland]. Composers can apply for a bursary for three years; the idea is that they are contributing to Dutch artistic and musical life." In the UK, a mere handful of composers can make a living without another source of income."
Great article on why so many British artists live abroad.
Unfortunately it looks like Ireland is heading in the same direction if the various cut backs and proposals to tax artist's income goes ahead. Much of the points raised in the article are highly relevant to the artistic sector here.