UK MPs Propose 5% Streaming Levy to Support British Drama
The Culture, Media & Sport Committee recommends a levy on streaming platforms' UK revenue, urging government intervention if a voluntary fund is not established within a year.
- The UK Culture, Media & Sport Committee has proposed a 5% levy on streaming services' UK subscriber revenue to fund high-end British TV drama production.
- The report warns that funding pressures threaten distinctly British storytelling, with public service broadcasters struggling due to rising costs and reduced budgets.
- Streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, oppose the levy, arguing it would harm competitiveness, increase consumer costs, and jeopardize existing investments in UK content.
- The committee suggests the levy should become mandatory if the industry does not voluntarily establish a cultural fund within one year, with funds managed by the British Film Institute.
- Additional recommendations include enhanced tax incentives, improved intellectual property rights for producers, and measures to address skills shortages and worker protections in the creative industry.
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