Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Racehorses

Thursday 26 May 2022 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government recognises racing industry's cultural and economic contribution
  • Treasury is currently considering proposals regarding VAT arrangements from the racing industry
  • Government colleagues are working to address challenges posed by the Northern Ireland protocol to the horse-racing industry

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laurence Robertson Con
Taxation Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question addresses the impact of UK tax policies on racehorse movements between the UK, Ireland, and France. The racing industry has provided proposals to HMRC regarding VAT arrangements.

Question

What recent discussions have had with the Chancellor on the effect of Government's tax policies on racehorses moving between the UK, Ireland, and France; and if a statement will be made?

Answer from Chris Philp

The Government recognise the racing industry's contribution to culture and economy. The Treasury is considering proposals regarding VAT arrangements from the racing industry at present.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm any specific action or timeline for correcting the VAT anomaly.

How: Actively Considering

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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Taxation
Context

The racing industry has provided proposals to HMRC regarding VAT arrangements. There is an anomaly where owners of racehorses coming to the UK for racing must deposit a security returnable on exit, whereas those classified as work purposes do not.

Question

Given that correcting this anomaly would cost nothing and help cash flow and reduce administrative burden, will continue speaking to Treasury with view to correcting it?

Answer from Chris Philp

My hon. Friend's clear articulation of the issue is appreciated; will certainly convey it to Treasury colleagues currently considering the matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific commitment or timeline for correcting the anomaly.

How: Conveying, Considering

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland
Context

The Northern Ireland protocol complicates the movement of racehorses and imposes significant challenges on communities, particularly affecting the horse-racing industry.

Question

How constituents in Strangford and Northern Ireland involved in the racehorse industry can navigate the bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the protocol?

Answer from Chris Philp

Government is aware of challenges posed by application of the Northern Ireland protocol to horse-racing industry; colleagues across Government are working hard to address problems, with updates provided regularly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or timelines for assistance to constituents in navigating bureaucratic hurdles.

How: Working Hard, Providing Updates

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Q4 Matthew Hancock Con
Business & Trade
Context

The racehorse industry faces challenges such as low prize money leading to fewer runners, with many horses running overseas instead of in the UK. The VAT system is seen as an anomaly for racehorses.

Question

Will ensure that the horserace betting levy is increased and reformed far sooner than currently proposed; need to support the industry facing significant challenges?

Answer from Chris Philp

Appreciated powerful representations about reviewing the levy earlier than planned; this is being actively considered by Treasury colleagues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific commitment or timeline for accelerating reforms of the horserace betting levy.

How: Actively Considering

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