Carlisle Bingo Players Call For Tax Changes

Carlisle bingo club is urging players to write to their local MP over tax regime.

Bingo fans in Carlisle are lobbying local MP Eric Martlew in a bid to force a re-think of the government's recent tax hike.

The levy on bingo profits was increased from 15 per cent to 22 per cent in April's Budget, causing outrage among devoted bingo players and gaming firms around the UK.

According to the Cumberland News, over 1,200 bingo fans have joined the fight against the new tax rate by writing to Mr Martlew.

Peter Lawton, owner of the city's Rex Bingo venue, explained how the higher rate of duty will impact on already struggling bingo clubs.

"This latest increase is likely to tip a lot of clubs over the edge. We reckon it will probably cost us an extra £17,500 a year. That's why we're appealing to our local MP," he told the newspaper.

Rex Bingo opened in the Denton Holme area of Carlisle in 1965 and there is also a Gala Bingo venue in the city.

Earlier this week, the Sun reported that new House of Commons speaker John Bercow has signed an early-day motion asking the government to reconsider its stance on bingo tax.