Culture Select Committee calls for film industry support

The Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee has written to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of next week’s Autumn Statement calling for targeted tax support and changes to regulations impacting the British film industry.

The letter says targeted tax support will ensure more visual effects work takes place across the UK, alongside the reform of the apprenticeship levy.

It adds there must be further consideration given to the planned new rules around connected party transactions and the definition of documentary programming.

The letter coincides with the publication of over 130 written evidence submissions to the Committee’s ongoing enquiry into British Film and High-End Television inquiry.

The Committee will start taking oral evidence in the new year.

CMS Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage commented: “The UK is a hugely important destination for film and high-end television production, but we can’t afford to rest on our laurels if we are to retain our competitive edge with the major players from around the world.”

“We hope that next week the Chancellor will show he’s a friend of British film and give the sector the certainty and stability it needs to retain the UK’s excellent standing on the world stage.”