Question
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Smart Fund proposal to use funds from sales of electronic devices which copy, store, and share creative content to pay creators and performers whose work is accessed, distributed, and s
Answer
The Government is not yet persuaded of the case for the Smart Fund. Further evidence is needed to fully assess the benefits, costs and wider impacts on consumers and businesses as well as creators. The Government continues to engage with supporters of the Smart Fund and will consider any further evidence on its merits, taking account of the interests of all those affected.
Verdict: GREEN (78/100)
The reply answers the question directly. The department says it is not yet persuaded of the case for the Smart Fund, and it gives a clear reason: it needs further evidence on benefits, costs and wider impacts. It also describes ongoing engagement with supporters and a commitment to weigh that evidence. The reply gives no timetable or decision date, so the asker may still want to ask when a final view will be reached.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the department's assessment or view of the Smart Fund proposal to use funds from sales of electronic devices that copy, store, and share creative content to pay creators and performers whose work is accessed, distributed, and stored. | Addressed | Direct | The reply states the department's view directly: it is not yet persuaded of the case for the Smart Fund, and it gives a reason, namely that further evidence on benefits, costs and wider impacts is needed. It also describes ongoing engagement with supporters and a commitment to weigh further evidence, which together answer the request for the department's assessment of the proposal. |