ELSPA disappointed by tax letdown

ELSPA has spoken of its disappointment over the lack of a games tax credit in the Government’s pre-budget reoprt today – but defended the state’s understanding of the games industry.

Chancellor Alastair Darling today failed to mention games in his pre-budget speech – whilst the official documentation of the Report showed that Labour felt ‘unpersuaded’ by the industry’s lobbying on the issue.

ELSPA director general Mike Rawlinson said today:

"It is disappointing that the Chancellor has rejected the case for tax breaks for ‘culturally British’ games. Nevertheless we believe that the Government overall recognises the importance of our sector in creating wealth and securing jobs.

"We must now move on. We must build on the strong support Government has shown us elsewhere and, as the general election approaches, continue to develop and seek the adoption of our policies by all three major parties."