HC Deb 25 June 2003 vol 407 cc827-8W
Mr. Reed

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has made to ministerial colleagues in the(a) Treasury and (b) Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on rate relief for sports clubs; and if she will make a statement. [121406]

Mr. Caborn

The Government recognise the desire of many in sport for a rate relief measure for community amateur sports clubs. Under revised Charity Commission guidance announced in April 2002, amateur clubs may benefit from 80 per cent. mandatory relief from business rates if they successfully apply for charitable status.

This Department has considered the case made by some in sport for a more general rate relief measure, as part of a wider consideration of possible financial incentives for sport at all levels. This has informed my discussions with Ministers in other interested Departments.