Andy Burnham urged to ditch Rachel Reeves-era tax on popular sport
Greyhounds took to the streets of Westminster as trainers begged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to stop plans to tax their sport. Assembling outside No 10, the group – made up of trainers, kennel staff and track workers – demanded that Mr Burnham equalise the tax on dog betting with horse racing.
TL;DR
- Greyhound racing industry workers demonstrated in Westminster, urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to equalize betting taxes with horse racing.
- They warn that proposed tax increases threaten 7,000 jobs and the sport's economic contribution.
- The industry is already facing challenges with track closures due to rising operational costs and tight profit margins.
- Campaigners request the tax rate on greyhound racing bets be reduced to 15%, matching the levy on horse racing bets.
- MPs from both Reform UK and Labour expressed support for tax parity and safeguarding the future of greyhound racing and its associated jobs.
- The Greyhound Board of Great Britain emphasized the sport's historical roots, job provision, and value to working-class communities.