Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson on Culture, Arts and Leisure, Leslie Cree, has described the proposal in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement to introduce tax relief for orchestras as a ‘potential life-line’ for the Ulster Orchestra.
Leslie Cree MLA said:
“The proposal for a new orchestra tax relief, which the Government is putting out to public consultation, could be a potential life-line for the Ulster Orchestra. Last year the Chancellor announced a tax relief for theatrical productions which was widely welcomed.
“The extension of this relief to orchestras could be very beneficial to the cash strapped Ulster Orchestra, although the tax relief will only come into effect in April 2016. So there is still a lot of work to be done before then to secure the future of the orchestra.
“Looking at the Autumn Statement more widely, the almost immediate change to Stamp Duty is a positive move for house hunters and sellers alike, which should help to continue the recovery of the property market in Northern Ireland.”