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Written question asked by Stuart Andrew (Conservative) on Friday, 28 March 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 April 2025. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Thursday, 10 April 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.


Cinemas: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Spring Statement of 26 March 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to her Department's planned budget for the 2025-26 financial year on support for independent cinemas.

Answer

DCMS’ budget for the 2025-26 financial year was confirmed by HM Treasury at Autumn Budget 2024, not at the Spring Statement.

The creative industries are one of the government’s eight priority Industrial Strategy sectors. At the Creative Industries Growth Summit in January, we announced a £60 million package of support for the sector, providing a major boost to the wider economy. We also set out new commitments from the British Business Bank, the UK’s economic development bank, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in January to strengthen their support for the creative industries, in addition to making shorter apprenticeships available from August 2025, building towards a more flexible growth and skills levy. These first steps in delivering on our ambitions for the creative industries will be expanded upon with the publication of the Sector Plan.

The government recognises the importance of cinemas as part of the UK’s film industry and as community assets. The Government’s tax incentives, including the new Independent Film Tax Credit, are bolstering the slate of films available to be shown in British cinemas. The BFI’s Film Audience Network (BFI FAN) is a collaboration of 8 film hubs, managed by leading film organisations and venues around the UK which provides support to cinemas on a local level.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
42233
Session
2024-26
Related items
Spring Statement 2025
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Cinemas Finance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk