Bacta has continued its political engagement programme at the highest level with the trade association’s senior team comprising President John Bollom, Vice-President Joseph Cullis and Executive Director (Government Relations) George McGregor meeting with the Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross on Thursday (3rd October).
Describing the meeting, held at the DCMS offices in Whitehall, as being ‘productive and encouraging’ John Bollom said: “Bacta is one of the first if not the first trade body to meet with the new Minister and we took the opportunity to highlight our key issues impacting members businesses. These were the progress and timetable for the implementation of the proposals contained within the White Paper, Stakes and Prize levels specifically the utmost need for an urgent review, our set in stone commitments to social responsibility and of course the upcoming budget and Bacta’s arguments for no increases in Machines Games Duty.”
Reflecting on the mood of the meeting John Bollom added: “We listened to the Minister speak at the Labour Party Conference and she remained consistent in her absolute commitment to a ‘thriving sector’ while ensuring gambling harms are managed”.
He added: “On the White Paper she wants to meet key stakeholders before taking any decisions but hopes to give an indication of the way forward in the near future. Before taking any decisions she said she wanted to undertake due diligence. She said the new Labour Government wanted to promote growth”.
“I personally invited her to attend the Bacta Convention at the end of November as well as visit Family Entertainment Centres and Adult Gaming Centres to see for herself the businesses that our members operate”.