Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the need to provide more support for an industry that is a vital part of the economy in West Suffolk and nationally, supporting 85,000 jobs with a £4.1 billion annual economic contribution.
I am not sure if it is in order to raise the travesty of the refereeing decision last night in the Aston Villa-Juventus match, but I thought I would give it a try. The Secretary of State has been warm about the horseracing industry; it is a vital part of the economy in West Suffolk and nationwide. I have previously raised with her and her ministerial team the need to reform the betting levy and affordability checks. I would be grateful for an update on the timeline for any action on that.
The horseracing betting levy is vital for the financial sustainability of the sport and its thousands of fans. The Minister for Gambling recently met representatives from horseracing and betting to encourage a voluntary deal that fairly reflects the relationship between racing and betting. An update on progress is expected by the end of the year.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The timeline and specific reforms regarding the betting levy and affordability checks were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The horseracing industry has been affected by recent budget changes, including the national insurance rise which could cost the industry £16 million.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. The horseracing industry has been left in the dark by this Government, following the Chancellor's disastrous Budget. The Office for Budget Responsibility warned that the national insurance rise would cost, on average, £800 per employee; with 20,000 employed across the country, it could cost the horseracing industry £16 million and the gambling sector up to £100 million before new levies. Will the Secretary of State tell the House whether her Department has made any assessment of the impact of the increase in national insurance contributions on the industry? How many jobs will be lost? How many training yards and courses will close?
Let me gently say to the hon. Gentleman that he is well aware that in the decisions we took in the recent Budget, we protected the smallest businesses; more than half of businesses will pay either less or the same as they currently do. We will take no lectures from the Opposition about how to run the economy after 14 years, given the mess they left this country in.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific impact assessment and job losses were not addressed.
Taking Lectures
Mess Left By Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Office for Budget Responsibility warned that the increase in national insurance contributions could cost the horseracing sector £16 million, impacting 20,000 employees.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. The horseracing industry has been left in the dark by this Government following the Chancellor's disastrous Budget; the Office for Budget Responsibility warned that the national insurance rise would cost on average £800 per employee; with 20,000 employed across the country, it could cost the horseracing industry £16 million and the gambling sector up to £100 million before new levies. Will the Secretary of State tell the House whether her Department has made any assessment of the impact of the increase in national insurance contributions on the industry? How many jobs will be lost?
Let me gently say to the hon. Gentleman that he is well aware that in the decisions we took in the recent Budget, we protected the smallest businesses; more than half of businesses will pay either less or the same as they currently do. We will take no lectures from the Opposition about how to run the economy after 14 years, given the mess they left this country in.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific impact assessment and job losses were not addressed.
Taking Lectures
Mess Left By Previous Government
Response accuracy