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Story by Stephany Nunneley

Thu, Jul 23, 2009 | 19:22 BST

UK Government to create videogames committee

The UK Government has decided to create a cross-departmental committee to examine issues affecting the videogame industry.

ELSPA’s first meeting with Minister for Creative Industries Siôn Simon last week was the catalyst for the formation.

“The news was indeed upbeat,” said ELSPA director general Michael Rawlinson. “The Minister assured us that the Government is confident of being able to introduce pro-PEGI legislation before the next election.

“We also covered the other hot topic of the moment: tax breaks for the industry. Siôn Simon confirmed that the Treasury is now open in principle to the idea of tax breaks for the country’s video games industry.

“But endlessly calling for tax breaks is not enough. What is obvious is that hard evidence has so far been very lacking so the Minister has now asked ELSPA to help further the debate by furnishing that evidence. This, of course, we are happy to do.”

Committee members are comprised of representatives from the Departments of Culture, Media and Sport; Business Innovation and Skills; Health; the Home Office; and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

More through MCV.

Thanks, StickBoy.