Games Industry - Tax Break

During the Budget today the Chancellor, George Osborne, has re-adopted policies which Labour instigated to help the Computer Games Industry. In his 2010 Budget the Tory Chancellor said, 'We will not go ahead with the poorly-targeted tax relief for the video games industry', surprisingly today, George Osborne has re-instated this tax relief.

I campaigned for the City Council to make its views clear over the loss of this tax relief. I am glad that we made our views known to the Scottish Affairs Select Committee. My colleague Jim McGovern as a member of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee did a great job in ensuring that the needs of the games industry were always at the forefront. The Scottish Affairs Select Committee report has helped to make the case clearly in favour of a tax break for the video games industry.

Like my colleague Jim McGovern MP I welcome this u-turn by the Tory-led UK Government. The Tory-led Government jeopardised the future of this industry in Dundee by their previous actions, I welcome their change of heart. There is an old saying that there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent. Let's hope that the Tories have learned their lesson and that in the future they will act in a way that helps Dundee industry rather than hinders it. Labour in Dundee will be keeping a close eye on their actions and will put the interests of Dundee first. I hope that the Video Games Industry in Dundee now goes from strength to strength.

Development Management Committee

Monday evening saw the March meeting of the Development Management Committee. This was a relatively brief meeting. There was some discussion on the need for mid-market rented accommodation in Broughty Ferry. The next phase of the regeneration of Mill o'Mains was approved which is good news for people in that area.

Friary Re-opening

I was really pleased to attend the re-opening of the Friary on Saturday by City Church. I was disappointed when the Friary closed back in 2010. I was concerned about the future of the site; therefore I am pleased that the site will continue in use. It is good that the Friary will continue to be used as a place of worship. I was very interested to hear about plans for the church and for their outreach into the community.

It was good to see so many local people at the open day. I would like to wish City Church all the very best in their new premises.