The Chancellor announced a pro-growth package of reforms but with our ambitions to deliver the Creative Industries Sector Vision – the government’s plan to grow the creative industries by £50bn and support a million more jobs by 2030, we need more.
Despite our sector’s successes, the talent pipeline is under-funded. We urge any future government to ensure artistic and cultural creativity is embraced socially, politically and economically and to invest in the ability to create sustainable jobs, positive impact, and social cohesion.
Fiscal interventions are welcomed but must be linked to investment in securing and sustaining the talent pipeline. All creative sectors are reporting skills shortages which seriously undermines the realisation of the Vision.
We are calling for-
1. Recognition of and investment in the power play of creative arts education and skills to turbo boost entrepreneurism and commercialism across the UK.
2. Broadening the eligibility of R&D tax reliefs to include the full scope of arts, humanities and social sciences research.
3. Assuring that the £270m ‘arts premium’ promised in the Conservative Party Manifesto is delivered to facilitate a much-needed boost and to provide pathways into creative careers.
4. Introducing fairer tax deductions for SMEs and micro businesses, including for freelancers and self-employed.
Responses to the Autumn Statement and further pre-election campaigning are an opportunity for all parties to set the scene for the UK to thrive as a global leader in creative enterprises.