Scottish Politician Backs Bingo Clubs In Tax Row

Another politician joins the outcry over 22 per cent duty payments on bingo games.

MSP Angela Constance has become the latest politician to voice support for the UK bingo industry.

The representative for Livingston said that many bingo venues could be forced to close following the government's decision to increase its rate of duty on the game from 15 per cent to 22 per cent.

Ms Constance told the Scotsman newspaper that chancellor Alistair Darling should reconsider his position on bingo tax before serious damage is done to the industry.

"This unfair tax could result in bingo clubs having to close, given the difficulties people are having coping with the current recession," she explained.

The SNP member added: "This would be a severe blow to the many players who get so much enjoyment from the game and a considerable loss of a valuable community resource."

Edward Timpson, the Conservative MP for Crewe and Nantwich, claimed during a debate in Parliament last week that many bingo operators feel "exasperated and betrayed" by the new rate of duty.