Horseracing

Question

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.

Question

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?

Question

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?