Stuart Anderson MP is deeply disappointed that the government has decided not to boost support for racecourses like Ludlow, which play a vital role in the rural economy by supporting hundreds of local jobs.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“I am deeply disappointed that the government has decided not to boost support for local racecourses like Ludlow. The Horserace Betting Levy is crucial for the sector, as it secures a proportion of profits from bets placed on races in Great Britain to fund various initiatives like those that enhance animal welfare. By deciding not to uprate the Levy and extend it to overseas bets, the government has missed a vital opportunity to enable significant extra investment in equine welfare, veterinary science, and education. I am urging the government to reconsider its stance.”
Stuart launched his campaign in November 2024 when he urged Government Ministers to up-rate the Horserace Betting Levy, which has now remained frozen for almost a decade. The Levy is crucial for the sector, as it secures a proportion of profits that operators make from bets placed on races in Great Britain to support various initiatives. This includes the recruitment and training of jockeys, investment in veterinary research and education, and improvement to the safety and welfare for both staff and horses.
Before the last General Election, the previous government had pledged to increase the Levy to 11.5 per cent. However, the government has now decided to freeze the rate at ten per cent. Announcing the decision on 25th Manch 2026, Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross said that the government will not “pursue legislative changes to the rate of the horserace betting levy at this time.” She also said that the government does not support extending the Levy to overseas racing. Stuart has said that the government's decisions will be frustrating for racecourses like Ludlow, which have waited more than three years since a review of the Levy was announced as part of the Gambling White Paper in April 2023.
Stuart has also said that the government's decisions have been made despite similar levies in other countries like Ireland and France being placed on bets from abroad. Stuart has added that this contradicts the government’s stated aim to secure a “sustainable future” for British horse-racing, as the British Horseracing Authority had provided evidence of a “substantial – and growing – gap” between the costs of providing the sport and the return received from betting.
Stuart added that up-rating the Levy and extending it to overseas bets would have enabled more investment in equine welfare, veterinary science, and education. He said that the government’s decision not to do so is a missed opportunity to support Britain’s 59 licenced racecourses, which supports 85,000 jobs in racing businesses and associated supply chains - with 500 training yards across Britain.
Stuart has also said that Ludlow Racecourse is a key part of the local community, which attracts thousands of visitors and generates significant revenue for local businesses. Subsequently, Stuart is calling on the government to reconsider its decision and work with the industry to find a solution that safeguards these vital assets.
