UK MPs Recommend 5% Levy on Streamers to Support Film and TV

The UK Culture, Media and Sport Committee has recommended a 5% levy on streaming services to support British high-end TV production, underlining the need for government intervention if the industry does not establish the fund voluntarily within a year. This proposal aims to generate a £100 million fund to finance distinctly British dramas, which are at risk due to the rising influence of platforms like Netflix and Amazon. The committee emphasized that the current business practices of these streamers threaten the sustainability of independent British producers, who are struggling to compete. Their report follows extensive evidence gathering from industry leaders and highlights the urgent need for enhanced tax incentives and support for the UK’s creative sector. The British Film Institute (BFI) would administer the fund, which could help bridge the funding gap for productions that may not have broad international appeal. As streaming services have rapidly gained market dominance, the committee argues that a cultural investment from these companies is essential for preserving the UK's unique cinematic landscape.