Article cover image: Public Lending Right: Take Action

Public Lending Right: Take Action

The DCMS Secretary of State has recently supported the British Library Boards’ recommendation to increase the rate per loan for Public Lending Right (PLR) but the overall fund remains the same. So, we are calling on ALCS members to contact their MPs to press for an increase to the PLR fund as a way to provide improved support to the creative workforce, particularly during these difficult times for the sector.

With writers’ and freelancers’ incomes acutely impacted due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the agreed increase to the rate per loan by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to compensate for reduced access to libraries has been welcomed by ALCS. However, this has not gone far enough to support creators who have been, and continue to be, financially impacted by the virus. As a result, we’re asking ALCS members to share our concerns and proposed amendment to the PLR scheme with their MPs.

Taking action is easy. All you have to do is use our newly developed website writerswrite.uk, where you can input your details and contact your MP with the suggested template.

MPs receive a lot of correspondence, especially during this difficult time, so we suggest personalising the template provided in order to make it as impactful as possible.

If you have any further questions, please email advocacy@alcs.co.uk.