WELCOME FOR PBR BINGO DUTY DECREASE

WELCOME FOR PBR BINGO DUTY DECREASE

Commenting on the Chancellor’s pre-budget report commitment to cut bingo duty from 22 per cent to 20 per cent, SNP Treasury spokesperson expressed regret that the Treasury has not listened to calls to bring Bingo taxation into line with taxation of other gaming activities.

Mr Hosie has long campaigned for an end to the unfair taxation scheme which has put great strain on business and played a contributing role in the closure of 31 clubs in 2008/09.

Commenting Mr Hosie said:

“The Chancellor has made a step in the right direction, but it does not go far enough towards bringing bingo taxation into line with other gaming activities.

“The bingo industry has a great social role to contribute in our communities and we have to do as much as possible to support the sector through these tough times.

“Other gambling activities are taxed at 15 per cent and the bingo industry should not be singled out for harsh treatment. It’s great that Labour is starting to see the error of its ways and beginning to back bingo.”