Scottish MP Fights For Bingo Tax Ruling

Since the highly publicized ruling on the bingo tax, the decision to raise the tax from 15 per cent to 22 per cent has caused the bingo industry to suffer financially.  This week, Liberal Democrat MP John Barrett has once more raised the issue with the UK Government to freeze the planned increase.

The MP has reported that bingo clubs in Edinburgh were at a serious risk of closure and released figures, which highlight that there are fewer than 600 bingo halls left in the UK alone.  60 bingo halls have closed within the past two years.

The Scottish MP has urged his plea to the Prime Minister regarding the increase.

‘Bingo may not be the most fashionable of causes, but in many areas the bingo hall can act as a focal point for the community.  There are only eight bingo halls left across the city and the recent decision to increase bingo duty from 15 to 22 per cent will put the rest under even more financial pressure.’

‘The bingo industry is not a cash cow that the Government can use to raise revenue.  All that this latest rise will do is force more bingo halls to close their doors, leaving more gaps in high streets across Scotland.’