Netflix and co should pay levy to fund crisis-hit UK drama sector, say MPs

Producers have questioned whether the ITV-hit Mr Bates vs the Post Office would be made in the current environment brought about by streaming services. Photograph: ITV/Shutterstock

Netflix, Amazon and other streaming services should pay a levy to fund the crisis-hit UK drama sector, MPs have said, following concerns that their dominance could see “distinctly British” stories disappear from the small screen.

The cross-party culture, media and sport committee said new tax breaks should also be used to help fund UK dramas produced by the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 – the public service broadcasters who have seen their programme budgets squeezed while the costs of making shows have spiralled. The committee said there was currently a threat to such programming, which was vital to the UK’s identity, national conversation and talent development.