As we all know, the creative industries – film, music, video games etc, is a multi-billion pound business. It employs around 6% of the UK population. Without it, where would we be?

But does the government recognise this?

The coalition government came under pressure on Thursday from the House of Lords to do more to boost the creative industries in the UK.

They warned that without the right educational encouragement and financial incentives, the country would struggle to compete with its foreign competitors.

However, is this going to go much further than just a quick chat in Parliament? Are there going to be more tax breaks for employers offering internships? Are there going to more scholarships available for young people?

Labour baroness McIntosh of Hudnal, and former chief executive of the Royal Opera House, said: “The message from the government appears to be that creative education and the industries that flow from it, is not important, is a luxury, is an add-on and is not central to our lives”.

Actress Tanya Franks, best known as the drug-addicted Rainie in Eastenders, thinks that more money should go into the creative industries, and especially into theatre. She said: “at times like these, when the country is struggling with a recession, people look for something that is going to make them feel better. And the things like film and theatre make them feel better, and change their outlook on life to positive.”

And judging by the government’s past, Tanya doesn’t think politicians will change their ways, and take notice that the creative industries need more financial support.

She added: “If you go into this type of career, you don’t have the same support structure around you. It’s such a hard industry to get into and you have to follow your ambitions and desires.”

Robert Young, a BAFTA winning producer and director, thinks the industry is being neglected.

He said that the government is going out to wrong people to find out what the industry needs. They talk to people that don’t have to struggle, and the real issues are just being swept under the carpet. He said: “Don’t go to a national theatre, go to a theatre up in Sheffield, or Hull – go up North and find out what the theatres are doing up there. Those are the people that need help.”

It seems that what the country needs is not creative-based degrees, but more internships and scholarships. Robert Young said: “A bit of paper doesn’t say you can act, or produce. You need to prove yourself.”

Tanya added: “A bit of paper may put you closer to the top of the pile, but there are hundreds of people with that bit of paper. Young people need to be given the chance to be able to prove themselves to an employer.”

Listen to Tanya Franks talking about creative industries.