MP backs bingo tax hike plea

An army of Shropshire bingo players have two little ducks on their minds after launching a campaign to try to stop the Government hiking tax on their winnings to 22 per cent.

More than 190 customers and employees of Mecca Bingo in Telford have written to David Wright, Labour MP for Telford, asking him to back them in their fight to stop the percentage tax being increased to "two little ducks" 22 from "young and keen" 15.

Lee Morley, manager of Mecca Bingo in Telford, said the proposed increase was unfair to women as they made up the vast majority of bingo players.

He said: "Our customers just can't understand why the Government is targeting women.

"It just doesn't seem to be fair that someone can go to the bookies and place a bet and only pay 15 per cent tax, while one of our customers has to pay 22 per cent.

"To our customers, this is about so much more than just bingo.

"For some, this is the only opportunity they have to socialise with other people and it would be criminal if clubs are forced to close because the Government is discriminating against one of the nation's favourite past times.

"That's why we are urging the Government to keep tax at 15 per cent and not increase it to 22 per cent."

Mr Morley said Mecca Bingo players in the town wanted time called on the Government's plans to ensure players got a fair deal.

"More than 190 customers and employees have written to Mr Wright asking for support in overturning the Government's decision to raise bingo duty to 22 per cent," he said.

Mr Wright said bingo clubs needed supporting where possible.

"The bingo industry has been lobbying MPs for a number of years claiming that it is unfairly treated," he said.

"I have raised these issues with ministers and I'm awaiting a response at the moment," he added.

By Simon Hardy