A new tax break will offer welcome relief for British children's programming.

Chancellor George Osborne, delivering his Autumn Statement to Parliament yesterday, said that the new tax credit would help boost an area of television production that has been in "decline."

The move follows the introduction of a tax break for the animation industry, which attracted £52 million to the UK in its first year, and a break for high budget British dramas such as Downton Abbey , announced in the 2012 Budget .

Pact, the trade body representing independent production companies, have lobbied extensively for the introduction of the children's television credit, arguing that it would stimulate the industry and add £3 million to the public purse.

It is hoped that the tax relief will attract foreign players such as Netflix and Disney to invest in British productions.

Baroness Floella Benjamin, Vice President of the Royal Television Society and champion of Pact's campaign, said: "I am thrilled that there is now a real future for British children's TV. Our children need to see themselves represented on screen to help them understand their world. It is vital for their development that they are engaged and stimulated by a range of quality and diverse British programming. The tax credit will make this happen."

The tax break will be introduced in April 2015, when eligible companies will be able to claim back 25% of qualifying production spending.

By Pippa Shawley

@pippashawley