Scrap the reading tax!
It has been a longstanding principle that VAT is zero-rated on sales of printed books, in order to prevent a tax on reading and a tax on knowledge.
SoA completes purchase of new Bloomsbury home
In March, we announced that we had exchanged contracts on the SoA’s new home in Bloomsbury with the aim of moving in early in 2019. We’re excited to announce that almost six months on, we have completed the purchase of 24 Bedford Row and the sale of our current offices in Drayton Gardens.
PLR rate to increase but number of library loans declines
The Government is proposing to increase the rate of PLR payments to 8.52p per loan for 2017/18, an increase of 0.32p for each loan. However it has admitted that the number of loans has continued to decline.
SoA calls on Government to act as European Council paves the way for abolishing VAT on e-books
The EU’s Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) has agreed to allow all member states to give e-books and audiobooks the same VAT-free status as printed books.
Joint statement from the Society of Authors and Irish Writers Union
The Society of Authors and Irish Writers Union have joined forces to warn against the dangers of a no-deal Brexit.
Copyright Directive gets the green light in Brussels
The Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market has won the support of MEPs in Brussels, meaning that it can advance to the next stage in the legislative process.
Radio Forum agrees rates rise for radio writers and minimum terms for podcasts
We are pleased to announce an increase to the minimum rates for radio writers and minimum terms for new-make podcasts in a series of amendments made to the Radio Drama Agreement further to collective negotiations between the BBC, the Society of Authors, the Personal Managers’ Association and the Writers’ Guild sitting as the Radio Forum.
Refugee Tales campaign to end indefinite detention
‘28 Tales for 28 Days’ is a new writers-and-actors-led initiative to raise awareness around the call to end indefinite detention of refugees.
Government scraps plans to abolish Class 2 National Insurance Contributions
Good news for the lowest paid, but we question why HMRC has completely rolled back plans that would have benefited 3.4 million people.
Back the Copyright Directive!
We are urging our members and supporters to write to their MEPs asking them to the support the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market. MEPs will debate and vote on the Directive on 12 September.
SoA writes to Home Secretary about visas for authors travelling to festivals
The Society of Authors has today written to the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, regarding reports that several authors were refused visas to travel to the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
£180,000 to authors for works in progress
By the start of 2018 we had received an enormous number of applications from writers of a wide range of genres and styles. This year we are delighted to be able to support some exciting new work from established and emerging authors. Over 50 authors will receive cheques amounting to £180,000 enabling them to complete their latest projects.