Iain Duncan Smith: racing must be given 'careful consideration' in gambling tax reforms

Horseracing must be given "very careful consideration" in any reforms of gambling taxation, former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith has said.

His comments come following last week's meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Reform (APPG), which he chairs, at which Arena Racing Company (Arc) chief executive Martin Cruddace gave evidence.

Cruddace spoke at the meeting, which took place following the 'Axe the Racing Tax' campaign event in Westminster, to make the case for the duty on betting on British racing not to increase at the budget in November following the Treasury's recent consultation on harmonisation of online gambling taxes.

Although Arc has not commented on the meeting, it is understood Cruddace's submission is regarded as having been well received.

In July the APPG launched an inquiry into the future of gambling regulation in the UK which claimed there was "growing concern for gambling harm as a public health issue" and which set out to examine areas including gambling advertising and proposals contained in the last government's white paper such as affordability checks. Submissions to the inquiry close on Friday.

The APPG subsequently threw its weight behind calls made by former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown for a major hike in gambling taxation, although he also called for extra support for horseracing.

Duncan Smith said: "The APPG on Gambling Reform last week held an evidence session assessing the need for reform of gambling taxation and heard comprehensive arguments as to why the Treasury’s tax consultation on online gambling is incompatible with the government's manifesto commitments to reduce gambling harms. 

"We urge the Treasury to look at the advice we have received and to take bold measures at the forthcoming budget to protect consumers, ensuring that the gambling industry pays a fair rate of tax for the harm it causes. 

"Very careful consideration must also be given to the horseracing industry, to safeguard this culturally and historically significant sport. The government must recognise that horseracing holds a special place in these debates."

APPGs are informal cross-party groups that have no official status within parliament but which seek to influence government policy on particular issues.

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