Horse racing betting levy changes examined by Peers and MPs

• Watch Parliament TV: Draft Legislative Reform (Horserace Betting Levy) Order 2018
• House of Commons Regulatory Reform Committee
• House of Lords Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee

The two committees will hear from Parliamentarians and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the draft Order that would abolish the Horseracing Betting Levy Board and give its powers to the Gambling Commission and a new horseracing authority to be designated by the Culture Secretary. According to the Government, the change will save on administration costs and ensure more funding is available for the British horseracing industry and horse welfare. 

Chairs' Comments

Lord Blencathra, chairman of the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee said:

“The DPRRC has reported that it has concerns about this piece of legislation and welcomes the opportunity to join with the House of Commons Regulatory Reform Committee to subject it to the further scrutiny we believe it requires.”

Stephen McPartland MP, Chair of the Regulatory Reform Committee, said:

“The Government's proposed changes could alter how horseracing is funded and change the racing and gambling industries that underpin the sport. Bringing together our committees adds to the quality of scrutiny, holding the Government to account and ensuring legislation is effective, appropriate and works for all.”

Committee concerns over draft Order

In their initial scrutiny of the draft Order, the DPRRC expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the draft Order and whether it meets the statutory tests for it to be made. As a result, the proposal is subject to a super-affirmative procedure where Ministers are required to consider proposals from the Regulatory Reform Committees of both Houses before deciding whether to proceed with their proposals. 

Both Committees are responsible for the scrutiny of Legislative Reform Orders (LRO), Government proposals to amend primary legislation in order to remove or reduce burdens or promote better regulation.  The Committees are required to decide whether they meet the tests set out in the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 and to decide whether they are an overall appropriate use of secondary legislation. 

Witnesses

Wednesday 21 November 2018, Committee Room 4, Palace of Westminster

At 10.25am

• Lord Lipsey
  

At 11.20am

• Mims Davies MP, Minister for Sport and Civil Society, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and DCMS officials  

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: Creative Commons