Leigh and Atherton has a budding film and creative scene – and the whole sector has just been given a major boost with the introduction of a tax relief uplift. This move will create jobs, drive growth and it will make more British hits – like Aftersun and Billy Elliot – possible.

Independent film productions costing up to £15 million will now benefit from an increased tax relief of 53%. Films with a budget up to £23.5 million are also eligible for the IFTC and the relief will be tapered.

The UK film sector is already worth £1.36 billion and it employs more than 195,000 people. It has the potential to grow even further thanks to these reliefs.

Jo Platt, the MP for Leigh and Atherton, is the Patron for Leigh Film Festival and Leigh Film Factory. She says: “This is exciting news for UK independent filmmakers with new tax reliefs for productions up to £15m – which will help bring more British stories to life, create jobs and boost our creative industries.

The new measures are the latest in a series of interventions from the UK Government to drive growth. From major investment in carbon capture, to securing billions in investment from Blackstone and Amazon Web Services. This Government is committed to working hand in hand with business to drive growth and investment across many sectors.