HC Deb 21 May 1998 vol 312 cc481-2W
Mr. Pendry

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the cost in 1997–98 of the discretionary rate relief for voluntary sports clubs in England and Wales. [42911]

Mr. Raynsford

I have been asked to reply.

The information requested is not available.

The most reliable figures that are available are estimates for 1998–99, when we expect about £35 million of relief to be granted to non-profit organisations in England and Wales. We do not have any breakdown of this figure between sports clubs and other non-profit making bodies.

Some sports clubs have charitable status and are entitled to relief under the separate mandatory relief provisions.