There were no specific commitments made in yesterday’s budget for investment in the performing arts nor any reference made to the paused review of Arts Council England.

The following provisions will have a direct impact on ITC members

• Theatre Tax Relief –  budget affirms government commitment to maintain TTR rates at 40% and 45% (for touring).
• National Insurance – employer contributions increase by 1.2% to 15%. Per-employee annual earnings threshold at which employers start to pay NI reduced from £9,100 to £5,000.
• Employment Allowance increases from £5000 to £10,500 per annum and the  £100,000 threshold for claiming the allowance has been removed. Eligible employers will be able to reduce their NI liability by up to £10,500.
• National Living Wage – will rise to £12.21 per hour (6.7% increase) for over 21s, 18-20 year olds £10.00 (16.3% increase) and under 18s £7.55 (18% increase). ITC’s lowest level rate in our new BECTU agreement is pegged to the National Living Wage.

Provisions without direct impact but worth noting

• £2.3 billion increased to schools budget
• £3 million to Creative Careers Programme
• £300 million for Further Education (skills development)