Gordon Brown calls for increased gambling taxes

Gordon Brown advocates for increased gambling taxes to enhance child benefits during a fiscal crisis.

Gordon Brown pushes for higher gambling taxes to combat child poverty

Gordon Brown, the former Labour prime minister, urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to increase taxes on gambling during discussions about the upcoming autumn Budget. He argued that the gambling sector, described as undertaxed, could provide significant funding to alleviate child poverty. The Betting and Gaming Council has voiced strong opposition, claiming that higher taxes could drive gamblers toward unregulated markets. Currently, the government is consulting on future gambling tax plans, which include merging various betting taxes by 2027.

Brown's appeal highlights a critical tension in fiscal policy: the need to balance increased public spending against potential economic fallout. By targeting the gambling industry, he believes the government can secure necessary funds for social programs. However, critics warn that such measures could have unintended consequences, potentially harming both the market and consumers. This situation brings forth broader questions regarding the sustainability of social spending amid rising economic strain, especially within the context of a government struggling to meet its financial commitments.

Highlights

The outcome of this proposal could shape the future of social welfare in the UK.