§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about tax relief for community and amateur sports clubs. [18494]
§ Mr. CabornMy Department has been in regular dialogue with HM Treasury and the Inland Revenue following my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer's announcement in his Budget speech of his intention to consult on a tax relief for community amateur sports clubs. My officials have also been in close dialogue with representatives of Sport England, the Central Council of Physical Recreation and the National Playing Fields Association on this issue.
Following the pre-Budget report this week, the Government are pleased to announce that the Treasury is today launching a consultation document on the best way for tax relief to help community amateur sports clubs that make a positive contribution to their local communities. The Charity Commission has also today announced that it will recognise as charitable community amateur sports clubs that promote participation in healthy recreation by the provision of facilities for the playing of particular sports. This development should enable many community amateur sports clubs to obtain charitable status and the tax relief that goes with it. My officials have been in discussion with the Charity Commission about the potential impact of this development.