Following the Spring Budget, presented in the Commons today (6 March 2024) by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, WGGB General Secretary Ellie Peers said:

“There is good news for the creative industries in this Budget and we welcome measures to support them, including £1 billion in additional tax reliefs over five years, a new UK Independent Film Tax Credit, support with business rates for eligible film studios and permanent higher rates of tax reliefs for theatres.

“We also welcome support for culture in the West Midlands, levelling up culture projects elsewhere and investment in infrastructure of individual theatres such as the National and Theatr Clwyd. Our freelance members will benefit from a 2p cut in their National Insurance contributions.

“However – and it is a big however – it is now essential that the freelance writers and creators that the industry is built on, feel the benefit of the support pledged by Government. In addition, these announcements must not distract us from the perilous state of local authority finances – with councils going bankrupt by the day and slashing their entire arts and culture budgets in the process. We will continue to lobby and campaign on these issues, and advocate for and support our members.”

Photo: Shutterstock.com