Gordon Brown calls for gambling tax to cut child poverty
Summary
Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown supports a proposal to increase taxes on gambling to reduce child poverty. The plan suggests using the additional tax revenue to remove limits on child benefits, which affect many children. Gambling industry representatives oppose the plan, fearing it might hurt the economy and lead to illegal gambling activities.Key Facts
- Gordon Brown wants higher taxes on gambling to help half a million children out of poverty.
- A report from the Institute for Public Policy Research supports this idea and estimates it could raise £3.2 billion.
- The increased revenue aims to remove the two-child limit and benefit cap affecting 1.6 million children.
- Online casinos and slot machines would face tax hikes from about 20% to 50%.
- Critics, including the Betting and Gaming Council, say the plan is "economically reckless."
- Proponents argue it could alleviate child poverty without reducing government revenue.
- Many gambling companies are based offshore and pay little UK tax.
- The UK government plans to release a child poverty strategy in the autumn.
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