Summary
Nearly a quarter of Labour MPs want to increase taxes on gambling companies to raise money to lift benefit restrictions on families with more than two children. They believe this increase could generate £3 billion and help reduce child poverty. The UK's Betting and Gaming Council argues that higher taxes could harm the economy and lead to job losses.
Key Facts
- 101 Labour MPs support a tax increase on gambling companies.
- The proposed tax could raise £3 billion to help fight child poverty.
- The campaign urges the removal of the two-child benefit cap, affecting child tax credit and universal credit.
- The Betting and Gaming Council warns that higher taxes might drive people to gamble in unregulated markets, risking safety and tax losses.
- The Labour government has established a Child Poverty Taskforce to explore solutions, but its findings are delayed.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opposes removing the benefit cap, citing taxpayer concerns.
- The UK's chancellor is considering tax increases and spending cuts due to a £20 billion deficit.
- There's a proposal to merge different betting taxes by 2027, adjusting for online gambling trends.
