Labour fails the bingo industry again

Labour fails the bingo industry again

refusal to help the sector will bring job losses and club closures

SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie MP has hit out at Labour MPs following their failure to stand up for the bingo industry in the House of Commons today (Wednesday).

Labour MPs voted down Mr Hosie’s amendment to the Finance Bill which would have ensured fairer taxation for the bingo industry and an end to the double standard currently lumbered on the sector.

Bingo clubs are currently hit with a 22 % levy while other gaming activities are taxed at 15%. The industry claim unfair taxation has put great stain on business and played a contributing role in the closure of 31 clubs in 2008/09.

Commenting, Mr Hosie said:

“Labour has hung the bingo industry out to dry. This amendment was a chance to do the right thing by the bingo industry and they have failed.

“This unfair taxation is incredibly damaging to this industry, forcing clubs to close and jobs to be lost across the country. These are difficult times for the entire sector and the UK Government should be supporting the sector rather than contributing to its hardship.

“Other gambling products are taxed at a 15 % but the UK Government insists on making licensed bingo an exception to the rule.

“Financial problems in the industry will not only mean job losses, but also the loss of important places to meet and socialise. Especially in small towns, closing the bingo club can rip a social hub out of an area.

“The SNP has kept up the pressure on the UK Government to play fair and end this unjust levy. Labour could have held out a helping hand to the bingo industry today but instead they walked by on the other side.”