January 2007

Very few people outside politics think expanding opportunities to gamble at a Supercasino in Sheffield is a good idea.

So why the enthusiasm for gambling from those in power, despite deep concerns about addiction from the British Medical Council and debt advisers? Could it be that cash strapped local authorities have their eye on the £100 million tax income from the gambling industry's £9 billion yearly profit?

The truth is that we don't need the tax income from a Super-casino. There is adequate money to fund schools, public transport and affordable social housing from other sources. In June 2006 a leaked Treasury report estimated that tax evasion was losing the government between £97 and £150 billion each year. This theft from the public purse means that essential services in our local communities are grossly underfunded.

New Labour, in its eagerness to get Corporate backing and stay in power, sacked over 40,000 tax collectors who could have made sure big business stopped this theft from the public purse.

Perhaps the promise of tax income from the gambling industry and the closeness of our leaders to the Labour Government is the real reason why Sheffield City Council are backing the bid to build a Super-casino despite the evidence of the harm it will bring.

We don't need a Super-Casino, we just want a government and council prepared to take a principled, honest and responsible lead. Why is this too much to ask?

Bernard Little.

For more information, contact Kathy Aston

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