MP vows to take up concerns of bingo players

Jun 3 2009 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

MONKLANDS bingo players have been writing to John Reid MP to voice their concerns about the way their game is being taxed.

Mr Reid who has called bingo numbers on many occasions during his 22 years as a Lanarkshire MP, said: “I know the importance of the game to a lot of constituents. It is their leisure and their pleasure and many people get a great deal of enjoyment out of it. That is why I have taken the opportunity of writing to the Treasury informing them of the concerns of local people who have taken the time to write to me.”

A number of changes to the way bingo is taxed were made in the last Budget.

The MP for Airdrie and Shotts added: “The removal altogether of VAT on bingo player fees mean that overall tax on bingo is 22 per cent - down from an estimated 24 to 25 per cent rate before the Budget. This has been brought down from the much higher rate of 35 per cent, in force five years ago.

“I am very aware of the important place that bingo has in people’s lives and communities. I will continue to listen to bingo players and their clubs, and I will make sure that their concerns are raised with the Government.”