Oral Answers to Questions Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Charlie Dewhirst
Main Page: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)Department Debates - View all Charlie Dewhirst's debates with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Oral Answers to Questions
Charlie Dewhirst Excerpts(1 day, 13 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)
In his Budget speech, the Chancellor pledged to protect seaside arcades, but the increase in the machine games duty from 20% to 25% threatens businesses in my constituency, such as Leisureland on Bridlington seafront, which I had the pleasure of visiting last week. Will the Minister make representations to the Treasury to ensure that we protect those brilliant local businesses?
Vicky Foxcroft
I thank the hon. Gentleman for advocating on behalf of his constituents. Slot games have a higher associated risk of harm than other in-person gambling activities, such as sports betting or bingo games. That is why the Government are increasing the rate of machine games duty from 20% to 25% on machines with stakes over £1 or prizes over £100 from 1 April 2027. There will be no change to the rate for lower-stakes machines, but I am happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the issue further.