The UK’s Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee has called on the Government to urgently strengthen its support for the British film and high-end TV industry, warning that rising production costs, a fragile commissioning landscape, and increasing global competition are threatening the creation of culturally British content.
In a new report, MPs highlight that while the UK’s screen industries have achieved record levels of inward investment, this growth is not being matched by the development and protection of homegrown, distinctive British stories. This imbalance, they argue, puts the future of the UK’s independent content sector — including film, high-end TV, children’s programming, and animation — at risk.
Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee, stated: “British film and high-end television is a huge success story and a vital part of the creative sector, but despite the UK’s undoubted strengths, systemic challenges are putting British content at risk. Our report calls on the Government to act now to ensure that the growth we’ve seen in recent years benefits homegrown talent, jobs and audiences.”
One of the key challenges outlined in the report is the growing market failure in public service broadcasting (PSB) commissioning. This decline is already impacting the creation of local stories and distinctive content that reflects British culture, values, and identity.
Ed Newton-Rex, CEO of Generative Music, added: “Supporting distinctly British content is about more than economics — it’s about cultural identity and ensuring that future generations can see their lives reflected on screen. Without action, we risk becoming over-reliant on global franchises at the expense of our own stories.”
The report also recommends measures to boost the independent sector’s resilience, including reviewing tax relief structures, expanding co-production opportunities, and increasing access to financing, particularly for emerging and diverse talent.
Andy Harrower, CEO of Directors UK, emphasized: “Independent creators are at the heart of the UK’s screen industries. The Government needs to foster an environment where risk-taking, innovation, and diverse storytelling are possible. Otherwise, we’ll see even more consolidation and fewer opportunities for new voices.”
Marie-Claire Benson, Executive Director of Animation UK, echoed these concerns, particularly regarding children’s content and animation: “Animation is one of the most innovative and export-ready sectors in the UK, but it’s too often overlooked in policy discussions. A targeted approach is essential to unlocking the full growth potential of this creative industry.”
The CMS Committee’s recommendations include reviewing tax reliefs to ensure they support all parts of the UK content ecosystem, including independent TV, film, and animation. It also suggests introducing quotas or incentives for streaming platforms to invest in British content, expanding support for international co-productions and reaffiliation with Creative Europe, enhancing access to finance for independent producers through revisions to the EIS and SEIS schemes, and increasing investment in skills, training, and regional production hubs to ensure long-term industry sustainability.
The Committee also stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between industry stakeholders, Parliament, and the Government to ensure that British content creation remains globally competitive while preserving its local identity.
As Dinenage concluded: “We have a world-class creative sector — but without immediate action, we risk losing the distinctiveness that makes British content so special. The time to act is now.”
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