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LOCAL MP PLEDGES SUPPORT TO STRUGGLING BINGO HALLS
August 7, 2009 9:23 AM
South Manchester MP, John Leech, has pledged support for local bingo halls as the industry struggles through the tough economic period.
Prior to the parliamentary recess Mr Leech voted to oppose an increase in tax that bingo clubs pay on their gross profits. Now, with the industry facing falling revenues and membership, he has visited a local bingo hall, Buckingham Bingo in Didsbury to discuss the problems they are facing and how he can help.
John said:
"Bingo provides a great deal of enjoyment for many people in the local community to have a cheap night out, particularly the elderly. The industry has been hit hard by the Government in recent years and hasn't been helped by having extra tax placed upon them.'
Mr. Leech has also raised the issue with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Notes to editors:
1. In Budget 2009 the Government made provisions to remove VAT from participation fees, and increase the rate of bingo duty from 15% to 22% from 27 April 2009. Details were given in a Budget Note, along with a number of other miscellaneous changes to gambling taxation; Provision to set the new rate of bingo duty was made by the Finance Bill 2009 (clause 20).
On 8 July 2009 John Leech voted to oppose the increase in bingo duty.
Photo attached: John Leech MP with Andy Cunningham, CEO of Buckingham Bingo.
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