BAFTA trustees face potential tax bills over £2,000 tickets

Michael Pritchett, chair of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts membership council, stated that legal advice indicates BAFTA trustees may have breached U.K. charity and company laws. The allegations center on complimentary awards show tickets that were not disclosed in the organization’s financial statements. Pritchett raised these concerns at the Academy’s annual general meeting on Monday, arguing the practice conflicted with governing rules that ban trustees from receiving benefits.

The disputed practice allowed trustees to bring guests to ceremonies, a custom reportedly in place for two decades. Premium tickets to the BAFTA Film Awards were valued at up to £2,000, or $2,660. Despite this, the organization’s 2024 and 2025 accounts stated that trustees received no remuneration. Its public register similarly reported no payments or benefits. Pritchett’s legal review suggests that trustees who approved these accounts may have committed offenses under the Charities Act and Companies Act.

The issue now extends to tax liabilities. Pritchett questioned whether the tickets should have been subject to taxes dating back to 2016. This could leave BAFTA liable for unpaid National Insurance contributions. He has called for trustees to repay any money owed, settle outstanding taxes, and correct the financial accounts if necessary. He also criticized a senior executive for declining to provide records identifying which specific trustees received the complimentary seats.

BAFTA discontinued its guest-ticket policy in 2025 following a recommendation from its governance committee. The organization has launched an independent review into the arrangement. Sara Putt, the outgoing chair, said the Academy has taken steps to address the concerns. She noted that Pritchett’s legal advice was based on limited information, while BAFTA’s own advisers had a more complete account of the circumstances.

A BAFTA spokesperson stated that trustees attend events in a working capacity to represent the Academy in an ambassadorial role. Prior to 2025, they could bring a plus one guest. The board established an independent review group to consider the historic arrangement, which is currently underway. No legal violations have been formally established.

The next scheduled step is the conclusion of the independent review. BAFTA plans to use the findings to determine if further financial corrections or tax settlements are required. The Academy will also decide whether to formally amend its past accounts to reflect the value of the complimentary tickets provided to trustees.