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Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated) on Monday, 16 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 March 2026. It was answered by Baroness Twycross (Labour) on Thursday, 26 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Film and Television: Finance

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the financial sustainability of the workforce in the United Kingdom’s film and television production sector.

Answer

The UK’s creative industries generated £145.8 billion in GVA in 2024 — 5.6% of the economy — with film, TV, radio and photography contributing £23.5 billion. The sector’s growth and global strengths position the UK to lead in film and television production. To realise that ambition, we need a skilled and sustainable workforce. That is why our Sector Plan designates film, TV and video games as a frontier industry, signalling their priority status for future investment and support.

From April 2026, a £75 million Screen Growth Package will support independent UK content, attract inward investment and expand skills development, creating more jobs and greater long‑term stability across the sector. The Sector Plan also boosts access to finance through the British Business Bank, expanded debt and equity options, and tailored support for producers.

We are raising standards across the sector by acting on the Good Work Review, establishing the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and supporting the BFI’s £1.5 million WorkWise for Screen programme. Freelancers will have a stronger voice through a new Creative Freelance Champion, while the Employment Rights Act 2025 will tackle late payments, guarantee written contracts and extend health and safety protections.

We are also strengthening the skills and talent pipeline through major investment: expanding the National Film and Television School, scaling up the BFI Film Academy and delivering £725 million through the next phase of the Growth and Skills Levy, including fully funded SME apprenticeships for eligible under‑25s. From April 2026, new short courses in digital, AI and engineering will support Industrial Strategy sectors, complemented by work with DWP and Skills England to ensure training genuinely reflects the needs of creative employers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15618
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Finance Film Television
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk