Bingo tax hike sparks Westminster protestsAngry demonstrations have taken place outside Westminster in reaction to news that a recent tax increase will hit the popular game of bingo.
Staff and regular punters from Ritz Bingo, Castleford, have opted to take their case to Parliament and protest against The Finance Bill 2009, which will increase tax on bingo’s gross profits from 15% to 22%.
The demonstrators are aiming to get the contentious Bill reversed and will discuss the matter with local MP for Pontefract and Castleford Yvette Cooper tomorrow.
Organisers were pleased with the turnout at the protest. Dave Holt, operations director at the Ritz said; “The amount of people here has really exceeded all expectations – we only thought about 500 people would come.”
“An open top bus is circling the Houses of Parliament in protest and some MPs have also joined the rally to show their support,” Holt continued.
Some opponents of the Bill also claim it to be sexist because the new tax laws do not apply to betting shops and casinos – frequented mostly by men – but instead to bingo halls that predominantly attract women.
However, it remains to be seen whether MPs debating the Finance Bill will take this claim seriously or pay much attention to the demonstrations at all. |
