A powerful group of MPs has proposed that streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV should contribute a share of their UK subscription revenues to a new cultural fund supporting British high-end television production.
In a recent report, the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee called for stronger government support for independent producers and urged measures to safeguard uniquely British storytelling. The inquiry followed rising concerns over the impact of global streaming platforms on the UK’s TV and film industry.
The report described high-quality dramas such as Adolescence as “vital” to Britain’s identity, public discourse, and creative talent development, warning that such productions are now “under threat.” MPs recommended that streaming services contribute 5% of their UK subscriber revenue to help fund content that resonates with British audiences.
CMS Committee Chair, MP Dame Caroline Dinenage, highlighted how recent international productions filmed in the UK have showcased British talent, but warned of unintended consequences: “The boom in inward investment risks crowding out many talented independent British producers.”
She acknowledged the value of streaming services to the UK economy but added, “Unless the government urgently intervenes to rebalance the playing field, countless distinctly British stories may never make it to our screens.”
Adolescence, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, centers on a 13-year-old boy charged with the murder of a female classmate. It recently became the fourth most popular English-language series in Netflix history, racking up 114 million views.
In response to the committee’s proposal, a Netflix spokeswoman said the UK remains the company’s largest production hub outside North America. “But in an increasingly competitive global market, it’s key to create a business environment that incentivises, rather than penalises, investment, risk-taking, and success,” she said. “Levies diminish competitiveness and penalise audiences who ultimately bear the increased costs.”
The Association for Commercial Broadcasters and On-Demand Services (COBA) also pushed back against the idea. COBA executive director Adam Minns argued that a levy could reduce streamers’ UK content budgets and harm existing jobs and public service broadcaster co-productions. He pointed out that the real issue lies in the decline of the TV licence fee, which has placed extra pressure on domestic production.
Last year, the number of high end TV productions made in the UK dropped by 27%, with a 25% decline in total spending.
Calls for support have intensified following recent warnings from acclaimed director Peter Kosminsky, who said UK broadcasters like ITV and others are now struggling to fund high-end drama.
A Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) spokeswoman acknowledged the current challenges facing the industry, stating that the government is working through its industrial strategy to support growth and address the skills shortage. “We thank the committee for its report, which we will respond to in due course,” she added.
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