Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the British Horseracing Authority on the potential impact of proposed changes to the taxation of betting operators on that sport.

The Minister for Gambling and Heritage recently met the incoming Chair of the British Horseracing Authority to discuss a wide range of matters affecting horseracing including the HMT tax consultation. DCMS has also engaged at ministerial and official level with HMT on the topic and the potential impact of any changes on horseracing.

One of the statutory purposes of the Horserace Betting Levy, managed by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) is the advancement of veterinary science. HBLB’s allocation for its disease surveillance, veterinary science and education programme rose to £2.76 million this year, up from £2.32 million in 2024/25.