It was announced in the Autumn Statement that the Government would be “exploring with the sector the case for introducing a new tax relief for museums and galleries, aimed at encouraging creative new exhibitions and developing them for a wider audience”. This was supported by a commitment to maintain free access and a programme of grant funding.

Earlier this week CTG representatives were invited to attend an HM Treasury working group to discuss the possible scope of the relief. There is a clear desire for the relief to be carefully targeted and not able to be exploited by commercial organisations or wealthy private individuals.

HMT has not yet decided on the mechanics of the scheme but it seems likely that it may operate in a similar way to similar tax reliefs for theatres and orchestras and to take the form of a tax relief rather than a grant scheme. HMT has requested further information about the types of exhibitions CTG members puts on, in advance of further discussions about how the boundaries of the relief should be defined. If your charity operates exhibitions, please send us as much information as you can.