Pact launches UK tax break campaign

UK production lobbying body Pact is calling on the British government to implement a tax break for children’s TV producers.

The country saw a tax credit system introduced last year, which has lead to new productions in drama and animation, but Pact wants this taken a step further and applied to all children’s TV production.

“From a commercial perspective, it is time that children’s TV was recognised in the same echelon of television production as our finest drama,” said Pact CEO John McVay.

“The tax reliefs for high-end TV, animation and for film have demonstrated a keen willingness from the government to support our creative industries. Our children’s television production is respected worldwide and we hope that ministers will agree that this is a special part of cultural heritage that is worth government’s support.”

Pact believes a tax break would help with new coproductions, particularly with US partners, and improve exports of British shows.

“The indie production sector is recognised as one of the UK’s major economic success stories – it has grown four-fold in less than 10 years, and a significant proportion of the 500 companies represented by Pact either specialises in kids’ TV or they are active in children’s TV production,” added McVay. “A tax relief for children’s TV would help boost the sector, nurture talent and create new employment opportunities.”