Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chancellor's announcements in yesterday’s Budget regarding gambling duties could lead to up to 16,000 job losses, primarily in the high-tech sector of the industry, and move £6 billion of gambling stakes into the black market.
The Chancellor’s announcements in relation to gambling duty could cost the industry up to 16,000 jobs, largely in the high- tech part of that industry, and move £6 billion of gambling stakes into the black market. Does she agree that taxing something does not necessarily stop it from happening, and that this will move problem gamblers into a less regulated, illegal space?
We have looked at this issue as part of our work leading up to the Budget. We sought to limit the economic impact on high street businesses by focusing tax rises on parts with lower operating costs. Additionally, measures were introduced in the Budget to permanently lower business rates for over 750,000 retail and hospitality properties to help mitigate some of the impacts on betting shops. The aim is to lift 450,000 children out of poverty.
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Assessment & feedback
Job losses in high-tech gambling sector
We Are Aware Of The Challenges But Cannot Duck Choices.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner acknowledges the decision to tax online gambling, which is seen as a significant issue for families due to its accessibility. The previous government left 4.5 million children in poverty.
I congratulate my right hon. Friend and indeed the Chancellor on making the decision to tax online gambling in particular. The fact that people effectively have a casino in their pocket destroys lives and families, and it is right that we send that strong signal, as well as make sure money is available to tackle the insidious moral scar of child poverty that was left by the previous Government. Can my right hon. Friend confirm how we will ensure that the way we conduct gambling in this country provides better protection to those families and individuals who end up being exposed to some of the most insidious practices of the gambling industry?
Child poverty is a moral scar on this nation. Our focus is not about sending signals but making fair choices to reverse damage done by the previous Government. We have introduced a gambling levy and allocated an additional £26 million over three years to the Gambling Commission to increase resources for tackling illegal markets and preventing harm.
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Assessment & feedback
Sending signal versus practical steps
Where We Differ Slightly Is That For Me It'S About Making Fair Choices.
Response accuracy