§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the cost of allowing mandatory rate relief to voluntary sports clubs. [88579]
§ Mr. MealeThe Central Council of Physical Recreation estimate that there are 150,000 voluntary sports clubs affiliated to the national governing bodies of sport in the United Kingdom. However, we do not hold centrally information on the number of clubs subject to non-domestic rates, their rateable values or their rates bills reflecting discretionary rate relief awarded by local authorities. Therefore, we cannot make a reasonable estimate of the cost of allowing mandatory rate relief to voluntary sports clubs.