HC Deb 19 March 1990 vol 169 cc484-5W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the representations made to him by cricket clubs and cricket organisations requesting zero rating of cricket clubs for the business rate; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dunnachie

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the position of sports clubs with additional rating relief in relation to the effect of the proposed business rate; and what action he proposes to take in this matter.

Mr. Chope

My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations from cricket and other sports clubs requesting relief from rating.

Charging authorities have discretion to grant up to 100 per cent. relief to sports clubs and certain other non-profit making organisations. Seventy-five per cent. of the cost of any relief given is borne by the national non-domestic rate pool. We have issued a practice note which gives charging authorities guidance on the criteria which they should take into account in the exercise of their powers.

Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what effect the new business rating system will have on the rate bills for sports facilities.

Mr. McAvoy

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has made an assessment of the effect of the new business rate upon sport and sports clubs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

Contrary to the impression given recently in the press, the great majority of sports facilities will attract lower rate bills in real terms as a result of the introduction of the uniform business rate and the non-domestic revaluation.

There are 25,331 properties included in the category of sports grounds, sports stadia, playing fields and club houses in England in the draft rating lists deposited with charging authorities on 20 December. In 1990–91 average rate bills for these, including inflation but before transition, will increase by just 2.5 per cent. This is a fall of about 5 per cent. in real terms.

Certain kinds of facilities, many provided primarily on a commercial basis, will attract larger rises. There are 3,272 properties in the category of golf courses, swimming pools and tennis courts. Average rate bills for these facilities will rise by 20.5 per cent. and those for leisure and sports centres, of which there are 2,015 properties, by 30 per cent., again including inflation but before transition.

These figures take no account of rate relief: local authorities will continue to have discretion to grant up to 100 per cent. rate relief on property occupied by non-profit-making bodies. Seventy five per cent. of the cost of any relief given is borne by the national non-domestic rate pool. We have given authorities guidance on the criteria they should use in considering applications for relief.