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British government responds to tax break petition photo

A few weeks ago, we urged British readers to sign a government petition calling for games industry tax breaks. As the UK faces the prospect of losing a blossoming industry to other countries already offering lucrative benefits, it'd be a wise move if Britain offered incentives to developers and publishers.

The government, although not saying much, has issued a response to the petition:

The Government takes seriously the contribution of the UK's creative industries to the economy and to the UK's cultural richness. Creative Britain - New talents for the New Economy, published earlier this year, set out the 26 commitments with which the Government would support the creative industries.

In that document, the Government committed to making sure that the creative industries, including the games sector, were aware of and made the best use of the generous Research and Development tax credits for small and medium-sized enterprises, introduced by the Government in 2000. The Government has already been promoting the credit within the industry.

The Government must be mindful of the need to ensure fair competition and value for money for tax payers whilst ensuring that any tax incentives are supported by evidence. The Government is conscious of the recent approval of a cultural tax relief for games in France and is working with the UK industry to collect and review the evidence for introducing such a credit in the UK.

That's a lot of words used to convey a little information, but it at least shows that politicians aren't blind to the benefits that a successful games industry can bring to Britain. Clearly, however, the measures already outlined in this response aren't enough to stop companies potentially moving the bulk of their operations abroad, so the government better do something quick if it doesn't want all the revenue and glory going to Canada.








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Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize. Likes PS2, iPod Touch, Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid, Dynasty Warriors 3 Meet the rest of the team



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11 comments | showing # 1 to 11
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catsithx's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/10/2008 10:02
catsithx
of course anything to bring bussines to there area why wouldn't you do that. Also if it's a election year this makes it looks like there doing there job for once
nademagnet's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/10/2008 11:07
nademagnet
So Jim... are there any more pics of that girl and that horse?
RollingZeppelin's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/10/2008 11:13
RollingZeppelin
Britain has higher taxes then Canada? WAHHH??
Anus Mcphanus's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/10/2008 11:48
Anus Mcphanus
Is it just me or does that statement not really say anything other than "yeah yeah we know"?

With people in the Midlands wanting to ban violent games will the government really go all the way to help the games industry?
mistic's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/10/2008 11:58
mistic
Britain has higher taxes then Canada? WAHHH??

and Belgium's are even higher :-)
Projectexodus's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/10/2008 15:08
Projectexodus
In Norway we pay around 60£ for a game. We definetly need a tax break.
savagesaladin's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/10/2008 16:33
savagesaladin
In america we pay $500,000 (60£) for a video game.
spas's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/10/2008 19:39
spas
nademagnet has a good point anymore of those pics?
inerneumic18's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/14/2011 17:44
inerneumic18
occupied in talking and laughing, not noticing the aberration till, at buy modafinil online
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