Matthew Stephenson

I warmly welcome the Chancellor’s decision to increase the standard rate of Machine Games Duty from 20% to 25% on high-harm machines, as well as excluding adult gaming centres from business rates relief. These are important steps towards putting our communities first and ensuring the tax system better reflects the risks posed by rapid-play, addictive machines. Gambling can devastate lives, tear families apart and leave communities bearing the cost. The Chancellor is right to act – supporting our high streets should mean backing local businesses that help them thrive, not serving the interests of the gambling industry. We must now build on today’s progress with stronger protections. That means swiftly delivering the Government’s commitment to end ‘aim to permit’ and giving councils greater control over the spread of adult gaming centres. It also means tougher action from the Gambling Commission to enforce existing safeguards, alongside further reforms to close loopholes and bolster player protections. This is about fairness and whose interests we put first. For Halesowen and communities across the country, our high streets should serve local people – and I look forward to working with the Government in bringing forward these important changes.