§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given to local authorities concerning the need to grant rate rebates to sports clubs; what advice he has given to sports organisations concerning their right to apply for such rebates; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellLocal authorities have discretionary powers under section 40(5)(c) of the General Rate Act 1967 to reduce or waive entirely the payment of rates on recreational premises occupied by voluntary clubs. I frequently urge local authorities to exercise this discretion, and I also encourage sports clubs to seek rating relief.
The Government's view on this discretionary power was clearly set out in paragraph 32 of the White Paper "Sport and Recreation" (Cmnd, 6200) published in August 1975.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total amount paid in rates to local authorities by local and national sports bodies in the last financial year; and how this figure compares with the three preceeding years.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI regret that this information is not available and could444W not be assembled at other than quite disproportionate cost.