ELSPA Calls on Tories to Announce Videogame Tax Relief Intentions

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) has called for the Tories to release their promised ‘œmini manifesto’ on videogame industry tax relief.

The lobbying body said in a statement on their website that as the election is looming, the Conservatives need to ‘œofficially publish their intentions’.

All three parties have backed the idea of a tax relief programme for the videogames sector, something which could give Britain an edge in attracting new industry talent. ELSPA Director General Michael Rawlinson said that ‘œwe urge the Conservatives to publish their mini manifesto on creative industries before May 6th’ and asked the Tories to show ‘œtheir commitment to the industry’.

Tax relief for the videogame sector has been a key talking point in the run-up to the election. However, only the Labour party featured the issue in their manifesto, with both Liberal Democrat and Conservative ministers talking about the idea, but not offering anything solid. Liberal MP Don Foster recently said that the Lib Dems would ‘œimplement the relief as soon as possible’ if they were elected, with Conservative shadow culture minister Ed Vaizey last month saying that the Conservatives ‘œare committed to a tax break along the lines of the videogames tax credit.’

Via: GamesIndustry.biz