MSP SIGNS PETITION TO SUPPORT HAWICK AND GALA BINGO HALLS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Aug 2009

Jim Hume MSP, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, Along with a number of other Liberal Democrat MPs and MSPs, has signed a downing street petition urging the Prime Minister not to increase duty on bingo.

Voting on last month's finance bill the Liberal Democrats were the only major party to back a move to halt the increase in bingo duty. Bingo clubs across Scotland are struggling to continue.

Jim Hume said:

"Labour's decision to introduce duty increases on bingo is wholly misguided.

"Despite the Tories' big talk about supporting this popular pursuit, they sat on their hands when it came to voting.

"The Liberal Democrats were the only major party to back a move to halt the increase in bingo duty.

The MSP continued:

"I would urge as many people as possible to sign the petition to support their local bingo hall. An increase in duty of 22% could cause severe financial difficulties for halls and clubs, and in the worst case scenario could cause venues to close which would mean that many people would miss out on the social interaction associated with this gentle pastime."

Ends

Notes to Editors:

There are currently fewer than 78 bingo clubs in Scotland and 600 in the UK.

Over 60 bingo clubs across the UK have closed in the last two years. The situation for many of the others is bleak. While factors such as the smoking ban have played a part in the decline, the main concern is taxation.

The recent decision to introduce duty increases from 15% to 22% on bingo is wholly misguided and will put our local bingo halls under further financial pressure.

The Downing Street petition can be found here: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Bingoplayers/