SNP plan ‘tax holiday for artists’ policy

azzuri · SNP plan ‘tax holiday for artists’ policy

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SNP plan ‘tax holiday for artists’ policy

By Paul Hutcheon Scottish Political Editor

Rock stars, painters and writers would be given Irish-style tax breaks under plans being considered by the Scottish National Party (SNP).

They are looking at exempting artists from income and property tax, believing the measure would galvanise the arts sector and encourage creative people to live and work in Scotland.

The idea is being examined by the SNP as part of their manifesto for next year’s Holyrood election.

They want to introduce a series of measures which would help artists on low incomes and turn Scotland into a “cultural hub”. SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon plans to meet writers, actonedrs and others in the creative industries to discuss whether special tax breaks would help the boost the sector.

The idea is based on the “artistic exemption” scheme introduced in Ireland in 1969. The policy means Ireland’s artists avoid paying tax on royalties from albums, books and other creative products. It costs the Irish government around £20 million every year and has been widely credited as having galvanised the arts sector.

Recipients of the subsidy include pop bands U2 and The Corrs and a number of Irish writers who have not been taxed on the money made from their work.

One idea being studied by the SNP is whether the Scottish parliament’s power over income tax, which Holyrood can vary by 3p, could be used to benefit members of the creative community.

Policy chiefs are also looking at whether it would be possible to exempt artists from council tax, or the local income tax which the SNP have pledged to introduce if they win next year.

Such measures would be a first step towards an SNP-led government introducing a full exemption on royalties if the parliament gains full control of taxation.

Part of the SNP’s motivation is to help artists on low incomes, but the move is also geared towards attracting writers, actors and painters to live and work in Scotland.

Scots novelists Irvine Welsh and Alan Warner live in Ireland, where they are among the 1500-plus people listed by the Irish Revenue Commissioners as not paying tax on their artistic earnings between 1998 and 2002.

Scottish writer Ron Butlin backed the idea of tax exemptions, but only for artists who earned below a certain level every year.

“It is a very good idea, particularly for writers on incomes of less than £10,000. A cut-off point would also be a good idea, as it would make it more acceptable to the public,” he said.

Novelist AL Kennedy also said she supported the plan. “It certainly works in Ireland and it would be hugely helpful for people who do not make a living from their work. It would be the difference between doing what you want to do and not doing it.”

SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon said: “Over the next few months I will be meeting with members of Scotland’s arts community, whether it be writers, musicians, actors or businesses in the sector, to discuss artist tax exemption and others proposals.

“In Ireland, for example, an artists’ tax exemption was introduced in 1969 to help new artists and those artists on low incomes to continue in their field; individuals who would otherwise have had to earn their income elsewhere.”

30 July 2006

Cado

Interesting thought. Though Ron Butlin has a point - excempting people who may in fact be very wealthy will only (potentially) lead to resentment - rather a taxbreak upto a certain amount.

Though there needs to be a little sensitivity in how its gone about - many people will consider 'art' to be a job - whereas I do see the argument that 'art' could be considered to be a creative hobby.

One way to get around this IMO would be a tax break for all small earners upto a certain amount - ie cottage industries, small scale individual persuits, corner shop owners, local mechanics, local butchers etc.

It would act as an incentive for individual enterprise and make it feasible for individuals to find various 'niches' that exist - it would encourage people to look to provide services within the community that act to counter the dominance of the global players.

For instance (whilst not claiming to be a fashion critic or having any dress sence myself) - Ive always wondered at the vast amounts of money the people blow on things like trainers, clothes etc. I'm sure the market must be pretty substancial. Ive wondered if there would be any merit in the concept of trying to re-establish the concept of local tailors - clothes makers etc. In that rather than throwing a fortune at big multinationals - encourage those who do have some aspirations as far as fashion and dress sence go to look to re-establishing the idea of local designers etc. We as a society must spend enough on designer Jeans (which lets face it - cost about £5 to make in some far east sweat shop) to be able to support a local cloths/fashion industry.

Just a few thoughts - but the multinationals/corporations don't do much that can't be done locally - they just act as a framework for bring together thousands to churn out the same standard stuff. If you look to the continent - many traditional local industries survive.

OK - a broader point than an artists excemption tax - more taking it to the level of inspiring individual creativity and enterprise.

Aventinian

"SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon said: “Over the next few months I will be meeting with members of Scotland’s arts community, whether it be writers, musicians, actors or businesses in the sector, to discuss artist tax exemption and others proposals. "

I feel sorry for the artistic community.

I'm also beginning to wonder about where the recent Blackadder references have arisen from...

Babygael

Ahv lost yer Ave.whit yakbladder references are yer bletherin oan aboot?

IF Convenor

One of the silliest and most spiteful things Gordon Brown did was to remove the foreign earnings tax deduction from people who live in the UK but work abroad. The result? Mass emigration by those who don't actually need to live near their work and a net loss of revenue to the treasury.

Blackadder

IF Convenor

I don't think piss artists feature in the politicos' plans.

Blackadder

Getting pissed certainly features in mine, old chap! Sod them!!!

Doen with politicians! Up with decent, hard working regular piss-artists!!!

By the by ... I am an ARTISTE! Very Happy

IF Convenor

I believe strippers also use the epithet "artiste".

Blackadder

Pay me enough and I'm up for anything ... of course, when I say "I", I mean Baldrick. I live vicariously through his experiences.

Morph

I dont think this bill will hit a cord with your man in the street. Id rather see a tax break for nurses, and nusery school teachers, this would be a much better idea.

Blackadder

I agree with you ... but your surly and suspicious countrymen would view this as a pre-election ploy that would never happen in real life ... and they'd be right!

Barny Rubble

IF Convenor