House of Commons · Westminster Hall
06 December 2023 · 2 other contributors · 4,278 words
Opened by George Eustice Con Camborne and Redruth
Responding minister: Stuart Andrew
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
George Eustice raised concerns about horserace betting levy board and horse welfare in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Minister should use his power under section 25 of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 to direct £12 million annually from the HBLB's budget towards animal welfare charities such as Retraining of Racehorses or Horse Welfare Board.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The British horseracing industry faces financial challenges and public pressure regarding equine welfare, particularly for retired racehorses. The Horserace Betting Levy Board collects £100 million annually but allocates only a small portion to animal welfare charities, while spending the majority on prize money. Funding is critical for organisations like Racehorse Relief, which struggle with rising costs and limited resources.
Drawing attention to his entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests, Laurence Robertson noted that prize money in this country is below global standards. He emphasized the need for fair distribution of horserace betting levy money to ensure the continuation of the sport. He highlighted the work of smaller charities like HEROS and urged the Minister to consider these organisations when deciding how to allocate funds from the horseracing levy.
As a veterinary surgeon with experience in HBLB research funding, Neil Hudson testified to the benefits of HBLB funding for advancing veterinary science and improving horse welfare. He highlighted the work funded by HBLB at Cambridge Veterinary School and Rossdales Laboratories. He asked the Minister about the importance of allocating some levy money towards veterinary science and equine infectious disease surveillance to protect horses and ensure the industry thrives.
Government Response
Stuart AndrewIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship again this morning, Ms Fovargue. I thank my right hon. Friend the Member for Camborne and Redruth for securing this important and timely debate, and I appreciate the support that he gives not only to horse welfare but to animal welfare in general. The Government acknowledge the significant contribution that racing makes to our economy, with over £4 billion worth annually according to the British Horseracing Authority. The horserace betting levy has evolved since its introduction in the 1960s and now supports various areas including veterinary science, education, and horse welfare projects. The Horserace Betting Levy Board spends around £3.5 million annually on these areas. In 2017, the Government extended the levy to online bookmakers at a fixed rate of 10%, almost doubling its collection from £49 million to £95 million. The principle of a statutory levy on betting activity on horseracing reflects the unique relationship between betting and racing, in line with international precedents. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) oversees the sporting sector, including horse racing, and has provided support during the pandemic. The British Horseracing Authority is responsible for race safety under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. A five-year strategic plan for horse welfare was published by the Horse Welfare Board in February 2020, focusing on traceability, safety, communication, and data collection. £5.5 million has been invested into equine wellbeing projects, leading to a decrease in fatal injuries. The DCMS is currently reviewing the horserace betting levy, considering proposals from the British Horseracing Authority, with a decision due by April 2024. I will raise the challenges faced by welfare charities at my next meeting with relevant bodies.