Chancellor’s Autumn Budget all but ignores our world-class creative industries

The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, delivered this morning, sidelines the creative industries and the self-employed workforce at a time when both need structured, sustained support.

Commenting, Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“There is very little in this budget to calm the perfect storm facing the UK’s theatre sector. Its workers and businesses were among the hardest hit by the pandemic and continue to face challenges in getting audiences to return. They are now battling soaring running and living costs with low wages, unpredictable employment and reduced audience footfall. That’s in addition to the continuing post-Brexit touring restrictions.

“The Chancellor talks about growth and stability but it would seem this budget is a missed opportunity to help boost the UK’s creative sector. There is very little in the budget’s ‘growth’ rhetoric that indicates how the Government intends to protect and sustain our world-leading creative industries – which contribute so much in both cultural and economic terms.

“The lack of definitive support measures for the self-employed is also incredibly disappointing. After repeatedly falling through the gaps in Covid-related government support schemes, many self-employed workers remain out in the cold.

“While the Chancellor says energy support payments will be targeted to help the most vulnerable, there is next to nothing in this budget providing concrete, sustained support for a workforce still bearing the scars of the pandemic and continuing to suffer from insecure employment.”