§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will assess the advantages and disadvantages of allowing mandatory rate relief to voluntary sports clubs. [88746]
§ Mr. BanksThe issue of mandatory rate relief is a matter primarily for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, though I take a close interest in the potential for developing grass roots sport.
We made a Manifesto commitment to review the current arrangements under which local authorities give business rate relief to non-profit-making sports clubs in England, Scotland and Wales. The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions will issue a consultation paper later in the year.