Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Bingo has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to recognise the important social and community role that bingo plays up and down the country.
The Motion adds further weight to the MP’s continuous calls to reduce the amount of taxation paid by bingo goers up and down the country and reduce it in line with other forms of gambling taxation.
Brian said: “I have long campaigned on this issue and this Early Day Motion is just one way of highlighting the importance of bingo to many communities up and down the country.”
“I have seen firsthand in Northampton the impact that this tax is having on our local bingo hall and numbers are falling as a result and many people I have spoken to in the industry say the picture is the same nationwide.”
“The current bingo tax policy not only fails to support Britain’s Bingo clubs, but actively discriminates against them and as a supporter of those who play the game I have consistently called for a fairer taxation system to help support them.”
“The community and social aspect of bingo is quite unique. The level of interaction it provides for many elderly people is invaluable. You can even get a decent meal at the local bingo hall for as little as £3.50 and I know that bingo goers in Northampton value that massively.”
“I have also written to Treasury Minister Justine Greening MP calling on her to review the current situation and have asked if she will meet with a delegation of MP’s to discuss the matter further.”
The Early Day Motion is supported by a number of MP’s including Graham Stuart, John Hemming, Don Foster, Graham Brady, Clive Betts, Phillip Davies and Rob Halfon.
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