Campaign to extend tax-free donations to the arts
The Independent on Sunday newspaper began a campaign on 8th February “to stop the rot in the arts.” In particular they are campaigning “for a change in taxation policy which would permit individuals to make simple tax-free contributions to theatres, orchestras, museums and galleries”. The newspaper feels that the UK government could learn from the US Internal Revenue Service. “Straightforward tax deductions of any sum”, argued the IoS, “- from £5 to £5m – would replace a muddled and cumbersome system of tax relief for the arts under charitable covenants and the Gift Aid scheme”. The newspaper pointed out that concessions had aready been made to the UK film industry.