Films that ‘encourage smoking’ claim £338 in UK tax credits

Health experts have accused the government of spending more on subsidising American films that contain smoking scenes than on anti-tobacco campaigns.

Researchers at Imperial College London calculated that between 2003 and 2009, £338 of tax credits in Britain went to the US-produced films with imagery “promoting” tobacco use.

Foreign film-makers receive 16% tax relief against their British production costs if more than a quarter of their budget is spent in Britain. More then three-quarters of British film subsidies go to US production companies.

Source: The Guardian – 27 August 2011
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