Games Tax Relief to be introduced in the current Finance Bill

By March 20, 2013 Press Releases

TIGA, thetrade association representing the UK games industry, has welcomed the news
that the Government is planning to legislate for Games Tax Relief in the
current Finance Bill. 

It said that
its introduction at the earliest opportunity was the videogame industry's top
priority.  

TIGA also said
that the introduction of a £15 million digital competition through the
Technology Strategy Board and an increase in the Skills Investment Fund to £8
million would strengthen the UK video games development and digital publishing
sector.  

TIGA made the
comments following the announcements made in today's Budget.

Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:

“Although Games Tax Relief has not yet received State Aid clearance from
the EU Commission, TIGA has been assured that the UK Government is committed to
this Relief, will be legislating for this Relief in the Finance Bill and will
deliver this Relief.  

“Games Tax
Relief is vitally important because its introduction will enable the UK to
compete on a level playing field against our overseas competitors who already
have tax breaks. Games Tax Relief will also power investment and job creation
and address the market failure in the under-production of culturally British
video games.  

“TIGA stands
ready to work with the UK Government and EU Commission to accelerate the
introduction of Games Tax Relief. Businesses need to see the measure introduced
as soon as possible to aid commercial planning.

“The increase in the budget for the Skills Investment Fund and the new
digital competition will strengthen the competitiveness of the UK games
industry. Together with Games Tax Relief they make a helpful hat trick of
policy measures.”

TIGA also welcomed announcements that:
* Corporation tax would be reduced to 20 per cent in 2015;
* The Seed enterprise investment scheme would be enhanced;
* R and D Tax Relief would be increased; and the
* Employment allowance worth up to £ 2,000 for businesses would be introduced.

 About
TIGA: 

TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s
games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games
developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games
publishers, outsourcing companies, technology
businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 14 business awards and has been nominated a
finalist for 16 other awards.   

TIGA's
vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games
business.  We focus on three sets of activities: political representation,
generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the
competitiveness of our members.  This means that TIGA members are
effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the
media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their
businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial
opportunities.

For
further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939
643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.

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