http://www.develop-online.net/news/35224/Global-publisher-sabotaged-UK-games-tax-breaks
High-profile firm held secret talks to fight Britain's bid for production subsidies
One of the biggest game companies in the world exerted pressure on the UK government and British trade associations to abandon plans for UK tax breaks, Develop can reveal.
While the majority of UK studios lobbied tirelessly to attain tax relief, one publisher counterbalanced the bid with a scandalous assertion of its own international influence and power.
Insiders tell us that the publisher spoke to well-placed parliament allies to dissuade any legislative measures.
This week the Lib-Con coalition cancelled all plans in place for game tax breaks – dashing the hopes of the UK sector which, after a two-year fight, eventually convinced the last Labour government to introduce the measures. Yet in a bitter twist, the Labour government was ousted in the May 2010 general election before the tax break plans were enacted.
But in the aftermath of the disappointing turn of events, it appears as though one publisher at least is celebrating the success of its own lobbying. This company had apparently viewed game tax relief as a measure that would have given the UK an unfair advantage over other nations.
Today TIGA, the UK trade association widely applauded for spearheading Britain’s push for game tax breaks, called for cross-industry unanimity on the issue.
“TIGA has campaigned rigorously for two years for Games Tax Relief,” CEO Richard Wilson told Develop.
He appealed to overseas companies, stating that they could tap into the huge talent base in the UK that would no doubt be bolstered by tax relief measures.
“We will not give up,” he added, “and we ask publishers to join us.”
Interesting.......
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