Hemming Backs Bingo

John Hemming, the Member of Parliament for Birmingham Yardley has laid down an Early Day Motion that asks the government to review it's stance on the taxation of the bingo industry. The motion (EDM No.1631), has 26 signatures at the time of writing and reads as follows:

"That this House notes with concern the high number of bingo clubs that have closed and that a further 200 clubs are under threat across the UK; recognises the distress and harm caused to communities and players, especially those living alone and the elderly, by the loss of this important local social amenity; regrets that bingo is the only mainstream gambling activity to be subject to double taxation; is concerned that players may turn to other, harder, online gambling outside the protection of the Gambling Act 2005; and urges the Government to review the bingo tax structure and take necessary steps to secure the future of neighbourhood bingo for the benefit of the broader community."

In statement released by the Bingo Association, John Hemming said, "This is an important issue for many of my constituents who have written to me because they are concerned for the future of their club. At the moment, bingo is taxed twice, paying both gross profits tax and VAT. It is the only mainstream gaming activity to be taxed in this way, and this additional tax is making life very difficult for many clubs."

"I have visited my local club and seen how important bingo is in the social lives of so many people in my constituency," he continued. "It is important that when the smoking ban takes effect on 1 July that the combination of this and double taxation does not spell the end for many small clubs. By removing VAT, the Government could take a crucial step to assist the industry in adjusting to life after the ban. For many clubs, this could be a lifeline."

Article Last Updated: 14/06/2007