BILL TO SUPPORT CINEMAS IN RURAL AREAS INTRODUCED IN PARLIAMENT

1.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 23rd Jun 2004

A Bill to support cinemas in rural areas was introduced today in the House of Commons by David Rendel MP.

You can read David's speech in the House of Commons here: http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/cm040623/debtext/40623-04.htm#40623-04_head0

Mr Rendel said:

"Local cinemas make an important contribution to the economic and social life of local communities. But in many small towns and rural areas such as West Berkshire, people are excluded from access to the cinema.

"We all complain about vandalism and yobbish behaviour. Why not offer young people who want to spend time with their friends away from their homes an opportunity to enjoy a good film?"

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1) The topic of this Bill was selected following consultation with local residents on Mr Rendel's website. 83% of those voting in a poll on www.davidrendel.org.uk supported the idea of a Bill to support cinemas in rural areas.

2) The Cinemas (Rural Areas) Bill is co-sponsored by 6 Liberal Democrat MPs, 4 Labour MPs and 1 Conservative MP.

Why is this Bill needed?

1) A lack of access in small towns and rural areas - Only 3% of the UK's cinema screens are in rural areas compared to 44% in city centre locations and 52% in suburban, edge- or out-of-town locations (Source: UK Film Council)

2) Less choice for cinema-goers - Local cinemas are closing all over the country. In 1988, multiplex venues accounted for only 10% of the UK's cinema screens. This figure rose to 37% by 1995, 57% by 1999 and 71% by 2003 (Source: Media Pocket Book 2000 and UK Film Council). According to John Woodward, Chief Executive of the UK Film Council: "Over the last ten years, despite huge growth in the number of cinemas and screens in the UK, audience choice has not increased with fewer titles in wide distribution and a film diet comprising mainly Hollywood blockbusters."

3) There are significant funding constraints - Only 2% of Lottery money goes to the UK Film Council for their work in promoting the UK film industry, including cinema exhibition. More investment is needed to facilitate capital investment in new cinema capacity in areas where there is an access problem.

What does the Bill propose?

1) Removal of cinemas from Use Class category D2 (Leisure) so that a change of use requires planning permission. This protection already applies to theatres - we want it to extend to cinemas as well, so that local authorities are better able to defend existing facilities.

2) A requirement that the Secretary of State bring before Parliament regulations to ensure that cinema is included among acceptable objects for planning gain. This would help to facilitate the opening of new cinemas.

3) Expansion of the Market Towns Initiative to include support for cinema capacity in small rural towns.

4) An amendment to the Local Government Finance Act 1988 to allow local authorities to provide business rate relief to local cinemas.