In the Budget last week, he increased the tax rate for the supercasinos to 50% – wiping out potential profits that would attract investors. The smallest casinos – which Blackpool depends on now – will be the hardest hit, with a knock-on effect for the jobs the town relies on, both in the casinos and with the industry suppliers. Mentally go along the seafront in Blackpool, and think of all the arcades you pass, and all the people employed in them, and in the industries such as catering, machines and so on that supply them. They may keep going, but trimming their margins may be the final straw for many.
Tessa Jowell says she won’t make a decision until after the Local Elections – can’t think why, can you? – and by that time, the anti-casino Gordon Brown may well be Prime Minister and have put a stop to the whole scheme anyway.
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