Crewe MP Speaks Out Against Bingo Tax In Parliament

Edward Timpson argues against higher bingo duty during Commons debate.

Edward Timpson, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, has joined the growing backlash against the government's decision to increase tax on bingo games.

As a strong supporter of the bingo industry, the Conservative MP spoke out against the new tax regime during a debate in the House of Commons last week, the Crewe and Nantwich Guardian reports.

Mr Timpson said that bingo firms and fans of the game feel "exasperated and betrayed" by the higher rate of duty, while warning that further closures of bingo clubs could be disastrous for local communities.

"Very many of our constituents enjoy bingo on an extremely regular basis and for them it is often their primary leisure activity," he added.

"Bingo crosses all sorts of boundaries and it is played by young and old alike ... I think that I am right in saying that an increasing number of younger people enjoy bingo on a regular basis."

In last month's Budget announcement, chancellor Alistair Darling revealed that bingo duty will increase from 15 per cent to 22 per cent.

Land-based bingo operators have objected to the higher rate because online bingo and sports betting firms are still taxed at 15 per cent.