TAXBREAK CALL FOR GAMES INDUSTRY

TAXBREAK CALL FOR GAMES INDUSTRY

WELCOME FOR FUNDING BUT CHANCELLOR MUST ACT

Funding for Dundee’s computer games industry has been welcomed as calls continue for the Chancellor to award tax incentives to computer games development in Scotland.

Welcoming the announcement of funding from the Scottish and UK Government’s to support games developers in Scotland. SNP MSP for Dundee West Joe FitzPatrick who has worked to highlight the importance of the games industry to Dundee and Scotland’s economy repeated his calls for the UK tax system to recognise the potential of the industry with a competitive tax incentive.

Mr FitzPatrick said:
“Today’s announcement is welcome news for Dundee’s growing games industry. Dundee is at the forefront of the computer games industry but we must never be complacent.

“The next step for Scotland’s games developers must be recognition from the Treasury that without the same tax breaks as France and Canada the industry remains at risk.

“In this week’s pre budget report the Chancellor should take the initiative, invest in economic success and introduce the tax breaks for R & D that can preserve Dundee as a world leader in Games development.

“The pre-budget report this week must be about getting our economy back on track and that means backing industries like computer games that will deliver jobs and growth.

“UK firms must pay tax on research and development activities while 20 and 25% tax rebates in France and Canada give their developers a competitive advantage. I want to see Dundee’s games industry reaping the same benefits as France and Canada’s.

“With full financial powers the Scottish Government would have the ability to offer these tax breaks and to protect and promote industries vital to Scotland’s economic future.

“With today’s announcement Government’s are sending the right signals and giving much needed support, but without these incentives there is still a risk that the industry will fall behind."