UK government blasts “irresponsible” speculation on betting tax amid horseracing strikes
The government has stressed that it has not announced any plans for a tax hike on horseracing betting.
UK.- Amid today’s horseracing strike against proposed gambling tax reforms in the UK, the government is asking what all the fuss is about. It’s stressed that it’s made no announcement of any tax rise.
Dan Tomlinson, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said in a statement in a statement: “The Chancellor has been clear that speculation on tax rises, which is what this is, is not only inaccurate, but also irresponsible. We have not announced an increase in the tax on horserace betting, and racecourse betting currently gets a 100 per cent tax break, which we have no plans to change.
“We know horseracing is part of the cultural fabric of the country, that’s why it’s the only sector that benefits from a government-mandated levy. Our wider gambling consultation is only about levelling the playing field and simplifying the system, and we are working closely with the industry to understand any potential impacts.”
The British horse racing sector suspended four race meetings scheduled for today (September 10) in what it decribes as an unprecedented show of protest. However, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has reiterated its disapproval of the strike action.
“We are disappointed that racing has chosen to proceed with its decision to reschedule racing fixtures today,” it said in a statement “While we understand the concerns within the sport, the decision was taken without consultation with betting operators, who make a significant financial contribution to British racing, and it will ultimately disrupt customers who expected to enjoy fixtures today.
“Racing and betting have a long-standing, symbiotic relationship, one cannot thrive without the other. Further disruption risks frustrating millions of racing fans and undermining the revenues that sustain jobs, communities, and the long-term future of the sport.”
The horseracing sector fears that plans to combine the current three gambling taxes into a a unified Remote Betting and Gaming Tax would mean a tax rise from 15 to 21 per cent. It commissioned economic analysis that suggests this would cost the sport £66m and put 2,752 jobs at risk in the first year.
As well as the suspended races, an event was held in Westminster, attended by the British Horseracing Association’s acting chief executive Brant Dunshea, trainer John Gosden and Aintree MP Dan Carden.
BHA chair Lord Charles Allen said in a statement: “We are Britain’s second largest spectator sport, supporting 85,000 jobs and delivering over £4billion of economic value every year. Yet all of this is now being put at risk by a change that would devastate our funding model and the livelihoods that depend on it.
“I say directly to government and to politicians of all parties: this is not a marginal issue. This is about protecting communities across Britain, safeguarding a national institution, and preventing thousands of people from losing their jobs”.
A decision on gambling tax can be expected in time for the announcement of the UK Autumn Budget on November 26. James Murray, now treasury chief secretary under chancellor Rachel Reeves has previously expressed support for the racing industry.
