New Scottish Conservative leader backs games tax calls
The new leader of the Scottish Conservatives has backed plans to introduce tax relief to support the games industry.
- By Stefan Morkis
- Published in the Courier : 09.11.11
- Published online : 12.11.11 @ 07.35am
Ruth Davidson backed calls by games trade organisation TIGA for the coalition government to reintroduce tax breaks for games developers last month.
Although the previous Labour government had set out plans to introduce tax breaks, they were scrapped by the coalition shortly after taking office.
TIGA claim British developers are unable to compete on a level playing field with those based in countries offering tax incentives.
Ms Davidson wrote to Chancellor George Osborne asking him to reconsider his opposition to introduce tax relief for developers.
She said: ''If we can't compete with countries such as Canada and France, who aggressively court gaming firms with tax incentives, then we will find our talent going abroad to be where the work is.
''I want our young people to be inspired to learn and gain qualifications because they see a real opportunity to have a career doing something they love, not to feel that there is no hope of getting on in the industry without moving to another country.
''That is why I am asking the Government to think again and to invest in the future of this important and creative industry.''
TIGA chief executive Dr Richard Wilson welcomed Ms Davidson's involvement, adding: ''A well-targeted games tax relief would create jobs, promote the creation of intellectual property and give a powerful boost to economic growth in Scotland and throughout the UK.
"The Chancellor should heed the advice of the leader of the Scottish Conservatives and announce his intention to introduce a well-targeted tax break for the Scottish and UK video games industries in his autumn statement.''
Dr Wilson added: ''There is now an increasing political consensus in Scotland that the Westminster Government should deliver a well-targeted tax break for game development.''
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