Chancellor George Osborne (pictured, Reuters) today announced that the Government is to launch a consultation on whether to introduce tax breaks for the English local newspaper industry.
Delivering his Budget speech today, Osborne said: "Local newspapers are a vital part of community life – but they’ve had a tough time in recent years – so today we announce a consultation on how we can provide them with tax support too."
The Budget document, published on the Treasury website, said: "Local newspapers are an important source of information for local communities and a vital part of a healthy democracy.
"To support them as they adapt to new technology and changing circumstances, the government will consult on whether to introduce a business rates relief for local newspapers in England."
The Guardian quotes Johnston Press chief executive Ashley Highfield as saying: “The consultation on business rates relief is an important recognition of one of the challenges facing the industry.”
We want to help local newspapers remain a vital part of community life so we will consult on how to provide them with tax support #Budget15
— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) March 18, 2015
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